Republic of Ireland vs Israel to be played behind closed doors at neutral venue after protests

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland football ’s Nations League clash with Israel football will be relocated to a neutral venue and played behind closed doors. The two teams had been due to meet at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 4 October, but Uefa have now approved a request from the FAI to host the game overseas. The sides are also scheduled to meet at a neutral location for Israel's home match in Group B3 a week earlier. "Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil, so the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium," the FAI said in a statement. "The Association thanks An Garda Síochana (Irish police) for their support and advice over recent months and states that the decision to relocate to a neutral venue is one that has been considered an appropriate course of action by the FAI Board with the support of Uefa." There had been growing calls within Ireland for the side to boycott the game amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Republic of Ireland's match with Qatar was interrupted by a tennis ball protest (Getty) The Republic of Ireland’s friendly against Qatar in May was disrupted after protestors threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch at the Aviva Stadium, while the Irish Sport For Palestine had launched a “Stop the Game” campaign.