Republic of Ireland v Israel: Playing fixtures an 'uncomfortable situation for everyone'

Image source, Inpho Image caption, Republic of Ireland are set to face Israel in the Nations League on 27 September and 4 October

Football Association of Ireland [FAI] Director of Football John Martin says the decision to play the Uefa Nations League games against Israel is a "very uncomfortable situation for everyone".

Both games are scheduled for neutral venues with Israel's 'home' game set for 27 September in Debrecen, Hungary and the reverse fixture in Backa Topola, Serbia on 4 October, with the FAI confirming their 'home' tie will be played behind closed doors and no tickets available for Irish fans for their 'away' game.

At an extraordinary general meeting in July, delegates backed an FAI motion to proceed with the games with 75 votes in favour to 32 against with three abstentions amid concerns that boycotting the fixtures would cause "significant and lasting harm" for the association.