The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) are reviewing video evidence around the alleged racist chants directed at Adam Idah before half-time in the Nations League game between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in Hungary on Sunday.
According to the FAI, the Uefa delegate inside the Nagyerdei Stadium ruled out investigating a complaint made by Ireland midfielder Jayson Molumby, stating that the correct protocols were not followed.
“We’re going to review the video evidence from the game and try and determine if there is any evidence of racism,” said an FAI spokesperson on Monday morning. “If we believe that to be the case, we will send [the evidence] to Uefa demanding an investigation into the incident.”
It is alleged that Molumby heard the chants before half time and asked the German referee Harms Osmers and the fourth official Florian Exner to “listen.”
However, as Molumby did not specifically note that a racial incident occurred and the officials had not heard anything, the matter stalled.
The Ireland team analysts will use pitchside microphones and stadium footage as part of a wider review. Idah, the FAI have noted, is not sure if he heard racist chants, and the Ireland camp say he is unaffected by the incident.
Fifa and Uefa, meanwhile, were informed that the Ireland players would wear black armbands, bow their heads during the Israel national anthem and refuse to shake hands with the opposing players last Sunday night.
Uefa has been asked if the Israel team intend to respond with their own protest or commemoration for the third anniversary of October 7th, outside the normal match day protocols before Sunday’s second meeting with Ireland in Serbia.
Finn Azaz was included in the Ireland matchday squad on Sunday but Hallgrímsson revealed afterwards that the Southampton attacker was not fit to start or come off the bench.
“We thought he wasn’t ready to play, he wanted to play but it was my decision, he was not fit enough to play,” said Hallgrímsson who paused briefly when an Israeli journalist shouted: “Bullshit.”
“Obviously,” Hallgrímsson added, “Finn is in a different position to other players in our squad. We have supported him along the way.”
The English-born Azaz had the option of declaring for Israel, where his mother’s family come from before he was capped by the Ireland under-21s in 2022. The Irish media in Hungary were informed by the FAI on Saturday that Azaz may retire from international football after this four-match window.
Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson looks on before the Uefa Nations League game against Israel. Photograph: Attila Kisbenedek / AFP via Getty Images
Gavin Bazunu, meanwhile, is available for the Republic of Ireland’s third Nations League match against Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday.
Bazunu informed Hallgrímsson on Saturday morning that he would not play against Israel in Hungary or next Sunday in Serbia in the behind-closed-doors second meeting.
“I have been speaking to Gavin multiple times a day, regularly going to his room,” explained Hallgrímsson. “All of us have been going to his room. I think he is very happy we won the game.
“None of us asked him not to take his stand. And now he is flying back with us on the plane. He is in the squad and the plan is he will be with us against Austria and not against Israel in the second game.
“We will need to call in a third goalkeeper.”
Asked if Bazunu wants to continue providing cover behind Caoimhín Kelleher, Hallgrímsson replied: “It all depends on how Gavin feels. Does he want it? Maybe he feels it is better that he steps out. He has our support whether he wants to stay or not. “We are working on a minute-to-minute basis.”
Discussions will continue between the players and the FAI around fulfilling the second Israel game next Sunday.
“It was a tough enough decision to play this game. You know the story, everything seems to leak from private player meetings. You probably know more than me.
“I wish all our fans come to [the game against] Austria and support our players. They have shown today how much playing for Ireland means to them. Hopefully they will have the support of the Irish people. They represented themselves with dignity and power on the pitch.”