'Stop The Game' protest held at Aviva Stadium during Republic of Ireland's Nation's League Match with Austria

A protest organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC)  and Irish Sport For Palestine took place last night during the Ireland versus Austria football game.

They were calling for Ireland's upcoming second fixture against Israel in the Nation's League to be cancelled. The game is set to be held in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on Sunday, October 4.

Both groups demonstrated at Ireland's game against Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday. They gathered outside of the event with banners reading 'Stop The Game.'

Several protestors also held signs praising Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, the only player who decided not to play in the games against Israel. The protest began at 6.30 pm, while kick off was at 7.45 pm.

 

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The IPSC also handed out leaflets that depicted the Palestinian flag to fans attending the match, in an effort to raise awareness about the Stop The Game campgain.

During the match, players were forced to stop at the 20 minute mark when tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch by protestors. They were decorated with Palestinian flags and text reading 'Stop The Game.'

Around 35 minutes into the game, the two teams paused the match a second time, when a man ran onto the pitch with a Palestinian flag. He was immediately tackled by security and escorted off.

When asked about the second fixture on September 27, Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson explained the team's next steps before October 4.

"We haven’t decided what we will do 100%. When we get home tonight, we’ll give them a day off tomorrow to go home, and share a day with their families and friends and loved ones, and then we’ll come back and prepare for the Austria game.

"Hopefully we can finish that one and take a discussion."

Ireland won 3-0 against Israel on September 27. The Irish players wore black armbands during the match, in recognition of the Palestinian people killed during Israel's war on Gaza. They also refused to shake hands with the Israeli team, and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem.

The team drew 2-2 with Austria in Thursday's match.