Tensions between the sides deepened on Saturday when the Republic of Ireland’s pre-match news conference was ended abruptly after head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson fielded what he later called a “verbal attack” from Israeli reporters.
Hallgrimsson was asked by an Israeli reporter about alleged racism by Irish players during last week’s encounter in Hungary, which the Republic of Ireland won 3-0.
The news conference was brought to a close at that point by Football Association of Ireland (FAI) communications manager Kieran Crowley, who said those allegations were “completely untrue” as the mood soured.
It followed news that the FAI were investigating whether Republic of Ireland forward Adam Idah was racially abused by Israel fans during the first match in Debrecen.
It is understood that midfielder Jayson Molumby spoke to the match officials during play, asking them to listen out for what he believed to be abusive chanting coming from some of the small number of Israel fans present at the match.
Asked if his players targeted Molumby following the Irish player’s complaint last week, Ben-Shimon said “it was nothing personal against” the West Brom midfielder.
“Come on, come on. We don’t do it. We just don’t do it, we are not men like this,” he added.
“It’s very difficult to believe us but I will never say to a player to play aggressive against him (an opposing player). Sometimes I don’t like this but I say to my players sometimes this is the best way to play the clearest football as you can, but be aggressive.
“I never say to them to injure someone. This is not our way, we are human beings.”
The fixtures, both played at neutral venues, have been embroiled in controversy since February when the two teams were drawn to play each other in Group B3.
The Republic of Ireland players have faced persistent calls to withdraw from the games because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war with the “Stop The Game” campaign – organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine – staging protests before and during Thursday’s game against Austria in Dublin.
However, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu said it would be “wrong” for him to participate in the games as he made himself unavailable, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) decided to fulfil both fixtures.
The teams did not engage in pre-match formalities in either match, while the Irish players bowed their heads during Israel’s national anthem.
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