Republic of Ireland were held to a 1-1 draw by Israel in their Nations League encounter played behind closed doors in Serbia on Sunday.
Troy Parrott gave Ireland the lead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute before Dor Peretz equalised shortly after half-time to earn Israel a share of the points.
The match was moved to the 4,500-capacity TSC Arena in Backa Topola because of what the Football Association of Ireland had described as “operational challenges that could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil.”
Parrott maintained his impressive international scoring form, taking his tally to 10 goals in his last seven competitive appearances for Ireland.
Ireland had several opportunities to extend their lead after taking control, but Israel goalkeeper Assaf Tzur produced important saves.
The visitors eventually drew level in the 47th minute when an Oscar Gloukh effort deflected off Liam Scales and fell to Peretz, who finished low beyond Caoimhín Kelleher.
The encounter was also marked by heated exchanges between the players, with an altercation occurring near the tunnel at half-time and another confrontation in added time.
More arguments followed after the final whistle.
Ireland captain Dara O’Shea missed the trip to Serbia because of the impending birth of his child, with Jimmy Dunne replacing him in the starting line-up and Kelleher wearing the captain’s armband.
Both teams wore black armbands during the game.
Ireland’s gesture was in remembrance of “all lives lost” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, while Israel wore armbands marked “7.10” to commemorate the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.
