Ireland delay training as players 'deliberate on whether to play Israel'

(Image: Jamie Gardner/PA Wire)

THE Republic of Ireland’s press conference and scheduled training ahead of their controversial Nations League fixture with Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, were both delayed on Saturday morning.

Republic manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and a player were due to address the media at 10.15am local time, but a Uefa official announced about 15 minutes beforehand that it was to be put back until after their training session, to 12.30pm local time.

It was later announced that the team would be 20 minutes late for their training session, due to start at 11.00am local time, but as of just before 12.00pm local time the team had not yet arrived at the Nagyerdei Stadium.

Uefa officials were unsure of the reason behind the delay, although players had announced they would meet on Friday to discuss the situation.

There were reports a player statement would be released before the press conference, amid speculation on Saturday morning that a player has refused to play in the match.

Teams who do not meet obligations can be subject to warnings or fines from Uefa.

Uefa and the Football Association of Ireland have been approached for comment.

The FAI later said Hallgrimsson's press conference will take place at 2:30pm with Ireland set to train at stadium 15 minutes later.

No reason has been given for the delay so far.

(Image: Jamie Gardner/PA Wire)

Speaking after Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in Pristina that began the Republic’s Nations League campaign, midfielder Jason Knight said: “Look, it’s difficult.

“I don’t think the game obviously should be going ahead but it is going ahead. We’ll have a deeper talk about it and what that means, we’ll get our thoughts as a group and go from there.

“I’m quite experienced. None of us have gone through this scenario before but I’d like to think I’m experienced, thick-skinned and I can get through most things and that is what I will try and do.

“I’ll try and focus on the football as much as I can. I’ll give my view and my thoughts on it (the Israel games) when I see fit, but I’ll be trying to focus on the football as much as possible.”