Protest interrupts Ireland match amid Israel boycott calls

Protesters interrupted Ireland’s Nations League match against Austria on October 1 by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch, briefly stopping play, while a separate pitch intrusion in the first half added to disruption. The protest came amid calls for Ireland to cancel its scheduled fixture against Israel on Sunday in Bačka Topola, Serbia. The balls, some bearing Palestinian flags and StopTheGame stickers, landed around the 19th minute as Ireland led 1-0. Referee Allard Lindhout stopped play for about four minutes, with players taking a break before the match resumed. Ireland went on to win 2-0, with Troy Parrott scoring in the first half, including a penalty. The match result did not resolve whether the Sunday fixture would proceed. Earlier in the first half, a man ran onto the field and was stopped by security or stewards. Reports identifying him as carrying a Palestinian flag attributed that detail to Irish broadcaster RTÉ. The StopTheGame campaign said its tennis-ball action was deliberately limited and described it as an act of solidarity with Palestinians and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.