Heimir Hallgrimsson said after Ireland’s 1-0 win over Qatar at the Aviva Stadium that he respects the rights of those fans who twice threw tennis balls onto the pitch in support of the Stop The Game protests around the Israel fixtures scheduled for the autumn.
Protestors draped the tennis balls in Palestine colours as they brought the friendly international to a halt in the 10th and 20th minutes of an otherwise fairly uneventful game.
Only the red card harshly handed out to Jack Moylan just before the break and another headed goal from Nathan Collins, after just five minutes, competed with the tennis ball protest for attention on the night.
And Hallgrimsson, whilst admitting it distracted him, had no issues with those who exercised their right to protest against the ongoing insistence by the FAI board and management team that the Israel Nations League games will be played in September and October.
The Irish Independent quotes Hallgrimsson as saying: “It didn’t bother me very much. We respect the protest.
“Everybody has a right to protest. It just kills a game. If they want to destroy the game for us then, so be it. Obviously it’s not fun to see, especially for (those of) us who are trying to think about the football side.”
The Icelandic native also praised Moylan who followed last month’s hat-trick on his Ireland debut with a red card on his home debut.
Asked about Moylan’s night, he said: “I was really pleased. He was a big loss for us. We opted to go with a back five still and a three in front of them.
“I’m happy for him and he did very well in the time when he was on the pitch. It was a mistake from someone else (the referee).
“He did a brilliant first half. Let’s see how he starts next season in the Championship but the potential is there 100%.”
Sol Campbell scored the only Arsenal goal the last time the Gunners played in the Champions League final - and he’s keeping his fingers crossed that his former club can see the job through second time around after Barcelona won the 2006 decider 2-1.
Campbell told the Guardian’s Donald McRae that Arsenal were due a Premier League title this season, 22 years after he lifted the trophy with the Invincibles. And that success can act as an inspiration in Budapest on Saturday night.
He added: “They’ve got a wonderful group of players and a great manager in Mikel Arteta but having come so close three times on the bounce I felt these guys needed it.
“The wait has been so heavy and it was all pent up, building year after year, always coming so close but never getting over the line. That’s why you saw such an outpouring of joy and togetherness. It’s been incredible because we’ve been waiting such a long time.
“You need to strike while the iron’s hot. You don’t know when you’re going to have that same beautiful run to the final. We’ve got an incredible defence, they’ve got incredible forwards, but after winning the league there is slightly less pressure on Arsenal. It’s still not going to be easy.
“It would be incredible if we can get a 3-2 win. But we’ve g
Ireland under 21 international Kevin Zefi is ready to kickstart his career by securing a regular first team spot at Sligo Rovers after a deal to play with the Showgrounds club until the end of the season.
One of the country’s top rated young players a few seasons ago, Zefi knows he needs to take his chance under new boss John Russell as he prepares to make his debut at home to Bohs on Friday night after spells with Inter and Roma in Italy.
The RTE website quotes Zefi as saying: “John Russell gave me a huge opportunity to come up here and train with the team. This place feels like home straight away and I feel I’m settling in already. Once the offer was there, signing wasn’t really a question.”
Neymar’s return to international football may be delayed after the World Cup bound Brazilian superstar was ruled out for two to three weeks with a calf injury.
Friendlies against Panama and Egypt have already been ruled for the 34-year-old who last played for his country in late 2023 but was recalled for the World Cup by boss Carlo Ancelloti.
The BBC reports that Neymar is doubtful for Brazil’s opening World Cup Group C game on June 13th against Morocco in New Jersey but could return to play against Haiti and Scotland.
The Scottish FA have rewarded Steve Clarke for guiding his country to the World Cup finals with a contract extension that will run all the way to the end of 2030.
RTE reports that Clarke said: “I am truly honoured to lead my squad into our first men’s World Cup in 28 years and I’m proud to continue as head coach.”
