Ireland Let Two-Goal Lead Slip in 2-2 Draw With Austria, Halted Twice by Protests

Troy Parrott scored twice but the Republic of Ireland let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with Austria at the Aviva Stadium, in a match twice temporarily halted by protests against Ireland's fixtures against Israel.

The game was first interrupted around the 20th minute when tennis balls bearing Palestinian flag stickers and the text "#StopTheGame" were thrown onto the pitch, and again in the 35th minute when a man carrying a Palestinian flag ran onto the field before being escorted off by security. Parrott had given Ireland the lead with a first-half opener before doubling it from the penalty spot after a VAR check.

Austria responded in the second half, with Alexander Prass capitalising on a defensive error from Liam Kitching before substitute Michael Gregoritsch curled in a free-kick to complete the comeback. The point keeps Ralf Rangnick's side top of Group B3, with Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson saying he was pleased with the first-half performance despite surrendering the lead.