Ireland and Israel Draw 1-1 in Behind-Closed-Doors Nations League Fixture

Republic of Ireland and Israel played out a 1-1 draw in a Nations League match held behind closed doors at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia, with Ireland's "home" fixture moved to neutral territory.

Troy Parrott fired Ireland ahead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, after Jimmy Dunne was fouled by Dor Peretz while attacking a rebound. It was Parrott's 10th goal in his last seven competitive internationals. Israel levelled within two minutes of the second half through captain Dor Peretz, who made amends for conceding the penalty by converting his side's first shot on target.

There were no handshakes between the captains before kickoff, and security intervened to separate players and staff after a clash broke out in the tunnel at half-time. Both sides wore black armbands, which the Football Association of Ireland said were to acknowledge all lives lost in the Israel-Gaza conflict, while Israel's read "7.10" in reference to the October 7, 2023 attacks. Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson called on UEFA to keep the two nations apart in future fixtures. The result leaves Ireland level on five points with Kosovo in Group B3, three behind leaders Austria.