Republic of Ireland manager left out player vs Israel as he 'wasn't ready for playing'
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has revealed he left out Finn Aziz in the second game against Israel because he did not feel he was ready to play.
The two sides met for the second time in a week and played out a 1-1 draw in Backa Topola, with Troy Parrott continuing his fine goalscoring form.
Again, Ireland players did not shake hands with the Israel players and bowed their heads when the country's national anthem played over the tannoy prior to the game.
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The game was predictably feisty and tempers flared at half-time, with it alleged that an Israel player spat at a member of the Ireland backroom staff.
Republic of Ireland manager explains why he left out player vs Israel
Hallgrimsson refused to comment on the incident but he did confirm that he made the decision to not involve Aziz in the fixture.
Aziz is a full Irish international and he started in the 2-2 draw with Austria in Thursday.
But the Southampton star is also of Israeli descent through his mother and once revealed that his grandmother "was in the Israeli army as a general".
After Gavin Bazunu announced his decision to boycott the first meeting, Hallgrimsson admitted he didn't feel as though Aziz was mentally up to playing.
"I didn’t feel he was ready for playing," he said, as per Daniel McDonnell.
"We must understand it’s probably the most difficult situation for him out of all of us."
David Sneyd of The42 reported that Azaz could call time on his international career, claiming that the FAI (Football Association of Ireland) believe he may retire from the national team.
He was an unused substitute for the first game against Israel.
UEFA take action to avoid Ireland vs Israel chaos
In the first game, there was an allegation of racism made - with it claimed that midfielder Jayson Molumby heard chants at Adam Idah in the first half.
Because the protocol was not followed, UEFA could not investigate.
The press conference going into the second meeting was similarly controversial, as Hallgrimsson's media duties were stopped abruptly after an Israeli journalist accused Ireland players of a racial insult at Israel stars.
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An FAI communications official stepped in immediately, calling the comment "completely untrue" and ending the presser there and then.
No UEFA delegate was present and the European governing body did not want a repeat.
According to Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports, two Israeli journalists were banned from attending the post-match press conference by UEFA - who confirmed the suspension.
Topics: Republic of Ireland
Josh Lawless