Reaction: Israel match protest by Irish fans | RTÉ Panel
The Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 international friendly victory over Qatar unfolded amid the backdrop of a tennis ball protest by supporters within the Aviva Stadium in opposition to the staging of the Nations League fixtures against Israel later this year.
Ireland are due to face Israel on 27 September, before a home game at Aviva Stadium on 4 October, with the FAI stating that they will fulfil the fixtures.
In the 11th minute, a number of supporters threw the first volley of tennis balls onto the pitch in protest, with a Palestinian flag also briefly waved from within the congregation behind the goal.
In the 20th minute, the game was paused for a second time as tennis balls were again thrown towards the pitch amid the ongoing protest.
RTÉ Soccer analysts Richie Sadlier and Stephen Kelly addressed the issue post-match.
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