‘Completely untrue’: Ireland press conference halted after Israel racism allegations

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson walked out of his pre-match press conference after an Israeli journalist accused his players of making racist remarks during last week's 3-0 Nations League victory .

The extraordinary exchange erupted on the eve of the teams' rematch, which will be played in Serbia, with Football Association of Ireland officials forced to intervene as the reporter repeatedly sought answers over allegations that have not been independently established.

“That is completely untrue. That is completely untrue,” an Irish press officer said as attempts were made to take the microphone away from the journalist.

The reporter refused to give it up and insisted the allegations were true, prompting Hallgrimsson to leave the room and later speak separately to Irish media.

The confrontation came during an already tense international window, with the fixtures against Israel having become the focus of intense political debate and protests in Ireland.

Earlier in the press conference, Hallgrimsson had been asked about an incident in which a co-pilot attacked a pilot on a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv before passengers overpowered the attacker and helped take control of the plane.

The co-pilot on the flydubai flight forced to divert to Saudi Arabia "attempted to carry out a terrorist act", the UAE's attorney general said on Saturday.

The questions then turned to the alleged racism involving his players.

Hallgrimsson had already made clear that he did not want to get involved in the dispute, saying the relevant authorities would deal with any allegations.

“It is a game with a lot of emotions attached,” he said.

“I haven't read anything and it's not something I want to get involved with. It goes to a process, both in our department and with Uefa.

“Something was reported by both teams, so I just hope we can focus on football and football will be the winner after this.

“I have not gone into details looking at this as I have enough to think about.”

The Israel Football Association has not lodged a complaint with Uefa but said it would consider doing so after Sunday's match.

The controversy adds another layer to an international window that has already proved unusually difficult for Ireland.

England smash seven past Croatia

Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice apiece as England dismantled Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka on Saturday, with Jude Bellingham scoring one goal and creating three more in a rampant Nations League display.

Anthony Gordon and substitute Morgan Rogers also struck as England overwhelmed a ragged Croatian defence in their third League A, Group Three match at the Rujevica stadium.

Saka heaped praise on teammate Bellingham, saying: "He was amazing tonight."

"He deserved player of the year and he deserved man of the match tonight too. He was special.

"[I'm] happy to play with him and happy to have him in the England team."

Kane marked his 124th international appearance with his 88th and 89th England goals, moving within one cap of Peter Shilton's national record.

The captain will draw level if he plays against the Czech Republic on Tuesday and could claim the record outright when England host Croatia at Wembley on November 12.

England are in second place in the group, three points behind leaders Spain, who beat the Czech Republic 3-1 in Oviedo.