Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson spent the first 11-plus minutes of Saturday’s pre-match news conference addressing questions about Sunday’s Nations League Group B3 match against Israel in Serbia.
The Icelander confirmed that Dara O’Shea, who would have captained the side in the absence of injured Ireland captain Nathan Collins, was not travelling with the squad because his wife was due to give birth. O’Shea may still join the team in Bačka Topola before Sunday’s 19:45 BST kick-off.
Hallgrimsson also discussed the demands of a four-match international window and reflected on Ireland’s 2-2 draw with Austria on Thursday.
The mood changed as the first, broadcastable section of the media session neared its close.
One journalist attempted to ask the manager about Wednesday’s incident in which a co-pilot attacked a pilot on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv before passengers restrained the attacker and regained control of the aircraft.
Another reporter raised alleged racism by Irish players during last Sunday’s 3-0 win over Israel in Hungary and refused to relinquish the microphone.
The session was swiftly ended by Kieran Crowley, head of communications at the Football Association of Ireland, who described those allegations as “completely untrue”.
The claims follow confirmation that the FAI is investigating reports of racist abuse directed at Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah by Israeli supporters in Debrecen.
In the minutes before the media conference was cut short, Hallgrimsson said he would not comment on either issue and would not “get involved” in matters that others would process.
“It is a game with a lot of emotions attached,” Hallgrimsson said.
“I haven’t read anything and it’s not something I want to get involved with. It goes to a process, both in our department and with UEFA.
“Something was reported by both teams, so I just hope we can focus on football and football will be the winner after this.
“I have not gone into details looking at this, as I have enough to think about.”
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