Israeli reporter’s ‘verbal attack’ ends Ireland football news conference

Israeli reporter’s ‘verbal attack’ ends Ireland football news conferenceIsraeli journalists asked coach Hallgrimsson about the Flydubai attack and alleged racist abuse by Ireland’s players.Members of an Israeli media contingent heckled Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson’s news conference prior to the UEFA Nations League football match, causing it to end abruptly amid growing political tensions and protests against the fixture.During the media event on Saturday, an Israeli journalist asked Hallgrimsson about his views on an incident onboard a Flydubai flight to Israel earlier this week.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4FC Barcelona accused of corruption in Negreira case: All you need to knowlist 2 of 4Man City whistleblower Pinto says he ‘received death threats’ over leakslist 3 of 4Turkish court detains football refereeing chief pending corruption triallist 4 of 4Manchester City appeal Premier League financial breach rulingend of listAccording to the prosecutor general of the United Arab Emirates, the Flydubai co-pilot “attempted to carry out a terrorist act”, using an axe against the pilot to take over the aircraft’s controls.The plane carrying 174 passengers was on its way from the Dubai in the UAE to Tel Aviv in Israel on Wednesday when the copilot wounded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who opened the cockpit door to seek help.The aircraft briefly plunged about 17,000 feet (5,180 metres) before it was brought back under control.The attacker was not officially identified, but media reports quoting unnamed sources said he was an Omani national, Hamam al-Hammami.“What do you say about the people that you support? Their ideology is based on murder,” the journalist asked, purportedly hinting at Ireland’s stance on Palestine and attempting to link it to the aviation incident.Before the Irish team’s coach could answer, the Football Association of Ireland’s communications manager Kieran Crowley stepped in and asked the journalist to refrain from asking questions not linked to the match.The journalist persisted, carrying on with her question before Crowley stopped her again.