Heimir Hallgrimsson says the Republic of Ireland will play their second Nations League match against Israel as planned, despite calls from campaigners to withdraw because of the Israel-Gaza war. He said the Football Association of Ireland had committed to playing both fixtures and that the squad would focus on football.

Ireland won the first match 3-0 in Hungary after players voted by a significant majority to play. They marked their protest by wearing black armbands, skipping pre-match formalities and bowing their heads during Israel’s anthem. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had opted out of both Israel matches but has returned to training; Josh Keeley is set to replace him for the second game, which is scheduled to be played behind closed doors in Serbia.