Ireland's Nations League clash with Austria at the Aviva Stadium was disrupted twice by protest, with tennis balls bearing the Palestine flag thrown onto the pitch in the 20th minute.
Match disrupted by tennis ball protest
Demonstrators voiced their opposition this evening, hurling tennis balls onto the pitch and forcing the match to be held up for a couple of minutes. The incident took place in the 20th minute, when numerous tennis balls bearing the Palestine flag were lobbed onto the playing surface, causing a short stoppage.
This marks the second tennis ball demonstration in succession at the Aviva Stadium, after a June friendly against Qatar was similarly disrupted. A second interruption occurred in the 36th minute when a supporter tried to invade the pitch, but they were quickly apprehended by security.
Campaigners call for boycott of Israel fixtures
Before kick-off, demonstrators gathered with the Stop the Game campaign outside the Aviva Stadium, a movement that has been demanding Ireland boycott the Nations League fixtures with Israel during this international break. Ireland went ahead with the controversial match last weekend following a turbulent few days behind closed doors, with Gavin Bazunu eventually withdrawing from the squad, expressing his unease over the atrocities unfolding in Gaza.
Despite tonight's demonstration and the widespread sentiment amongst a significant section of supporters, next Sunday's encounter with Israel looks set to proceed, with Heimir Hallgrímsson confirming earlier this week that it remained Ireland's plan to honour that fixture in Serbia.
Ireland lead at half-time
"The FAI has said we are playing both games. That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention," said Hallgrímsson. "We are trying to focus on the football. It is already decided we will fulfil the games."
On the pitch, Ireland hold a commanding 2-0 advantage following a first-half double from Troy Parrott.
