--- title: "Israel FA criticises Ireland manager over 'genocide' comments" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/israel-fa-criticises-ireland-manager-over-genocide-comments" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/israel-fa-criticises-ireland-manager-over-genocide-comments" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/israel-fa-criticises-ireland-manager-over-genocide-comments.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/israel-fa-criticises-ireland-manager-over-genocide-comments" category: "Politics" area: "Middle East" published: "2026-09-22T10:45:46.215Z" source_reported: "2026-09-22T10:25:22.745Z" updated: "2026-09-22T10:45:46.215Z" trust_score: 42 critic_score: 61 hype_score: 41 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-09-22T12:46:04.898Z" --- # Israel FA criticises Ireland manager over 'genocide' comments *Heimir Hallgrimsson's remarks ahead of Nations League fixture spark strong reaction from Israeli football body.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to named body, but relies on anonymous sourcing for specific quotes. - Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reporting is clear and holds together, with specific details provided. - Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise more than the body delivers, with some sensationalism. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said his team was "playing against genocide" in upcoming Nations League matches. - Israel's FA responded on social media, criticising Hallgrimsson and calling him "stupid, ignorant and hypocritical". - The Nations League fixture between Ireland and Israel will be held at a neutral venue in Debrecen, Hungary. - Israel's FA is considering filing a complaint with UEFA over Hallgrimsson's comments. Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson stated that his team would be "playing against genocide" in upcoming Nations League matches against Israel. The Israel Football Association responded via social media, criticising Hallgrimsson's remarks and labelling him "stupid, ignorant and hypocritical". The fixture is scheduled to take place at a neutral venue in Debrecen, Hungary. ## Disagreement on complaint to UEFA The Israel FA is considering filing a complaint with UEFA regarding Hallgrimsson's comments, according to the Irish Examiner. Other reports do not mention this potential action. ## What the coverage left out None of the left, centre, or right-rated reports mention that the fixture between Ireland and Israel will be held at a neutral venue in Debrecen, Hungary. None of the left, centre, or right-rated reports mention that Israel's FA is considering filing a complaint with UEFA over Hallgrimsson's comments. ## Who covered it Shares of the 29 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 48% (14) - Centre: 38% (11) - Right: 14% (4) 28 of 57 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-22T12:46:04.898Z. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 9 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-22T13:00:15.736Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Eleven of the thirteen left-rated reports focused on the exchange between Hallgrimsson and the Israel FA. These reports highlighted Hallgrimsson's statement that Ireland was "playing against genocide" and the Israel FA's subsequent criticism, which included calling him "stupid, ignorant and hypocritical". The Daily Mirror, in its full report, quoted Hallgrimsson saying, "We’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide. So we’re playing against Israel. We’re not playing with Israel." The same report quoted the Israel FA's social media response: "Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by [Ireland’s] team coach. We’re not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, We’re playing against the coach who embodies them." The Independent (US) and The Independent (UK) both used the headline "Israel accuse Ireland manager of ‘hypocrisy and stupidity’ over ‘genocide’ comments". The Journal's headline was "Israel FA accuses Ireland football manager of ‘stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy'". USA Today reported that the Israel FA criticised Hallgrimsson for 'stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy' after his comments. ESPN stated the Israel FA accused Hallgrimsson of 'hypocrisy and stupidity'. Eldiario.es mentioned that "more than 160 Irish athletes sign a letter against contesting the League of Nations qualifying party while the Israeli federation complains about the coach's 'stupidity'". La Repubblica's headline was "Israel Attacks the Ct of Ireland: 'We Have Not Found the Cure Against Stupidity and Ignorance'". RTÉ reported the Israel FA "hit out at Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, insisting his recent comments embody 'stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy'". Telegrafi reported that "Israel Harshly Attacks Ireland Coach" and that the Israel FA "described his words as 'stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy'". Haaretz reported the Israeli soccer body slammed the 'stupidity' of the Ireland coach over genocide comments. USA Today's headline was "Ireland soccer coach criticized for 'stupidity' by Israel FA after comments". ### Centre - Five centre-rated reports focused on the dispute between the Republic of Ireland manager and the Israel FA. Algemeen Dagblad's headline stated, "‘Ignorant, Hypocritical and Stupid’: Israeli Federation Denounces Irish National Coach, Who Says He Is ‘Playing Against Genocide’". The National's headline was "Israel vs Ireland: Boycott calls, protests and the Nations League dispute explained", noting a "War of words precedes controversial fixtures as Israeli FA hit back at coach Hallgrimsson's 'genocide' comment". Dailymail.com reported that "Israel's FA accuse Ireland manager of 'hypocrisy and stupidity'". RTÉ reported the Israel FA "hit out at Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, insisting his recent comments embody 'stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy'". 24ur.com's headline was "Ireland Coach: We Will Play Against Genocide. The Israelis Respond Harshly". ### Right - Two right-rated reports focused on the controversy. OKDIARIO's headline stated, "The Federation of Israel Calls that of Ireland 'Stupid, Ignorant and Hypocritical' for Wanting to Boycott the League of Nations Party". Yonhap News Agency's headline was "'Stand Against the Genocide' vs. 'Ignorance'... Ireland and Israel Football War of Words". **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - mixed: 6 - high: 16 - unknown: 28 - veryHigh: 7 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [tz.de](https://tz.de/sport/fussball/voelkermord-streit-zwischen-irland-und-israel-eskaliert-vor-nations-league-duell-zr-94504810.html) — "People's Murder" Dispute Between Ireland and Israel Escalates Before Nations League Duell - [mannheim24.de](https://mannheim24.de/sport/voelkermord-streit-zwischen-irland-und-israel-eskaliert-vor-nations-league-duell-zr-94504810.html) — "People's Murder" Dispute Between Ireland and Israel Escalates Before Nations League Duell - [merkur.de](https://merkur.de/sport/fussball/voelkermord-streit-zwischen-irland-und-israel-eskaliert-vor-nations-league-duell-zr-94504810.html) — "People's Murder" Dispute Between Ireland and Israel Escalates Before Nations League Duell - [hna.de](https://hna.de/sport/fussball/voelkermord-streit-zwischen-irland-und-israel-eskaliert-vor-nations-league-duell-zr-94504810.html) — "People's Murder" Dispute Between Ireland and Israel Escalates Before Nations League Duell - [fotomac.com.tr](https://fotomac.com.tr/futbol/2026/09/22/izlandali-teknik-direktor-heimir-hallgrimssondan-israile-soykirim-tepkisi) — Icelandic Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson Reacts to Israeli Genocide Allegations. - [nemzetisport.hu](https://nemzetisport.hu/minden-mas-foci/2026/09/ostoba-tudatlan-es-kepmutato-igy-reagalt-az-izraeli-szovetseg-az-ir-kapitany-szavaira) — "Stupid, Ignorant and Hypocritical" – This Is How the Israeli Federation Responded to the Irish Captain's Words - [sportschau.de](https://sportschau.de/fussball/nationsleague/spielen-gegen-voelkermord-krieg-ueberschattet-irland-gegen-israel,irland-israel-100.html) — "Games Against Genocide" - War Overshadows Ireland Against Israel in the Nations League - [hbl.fi](https://hbl.fi/sport/irlands-forbundskapten-spelar-mot-ett-folkmord) — Ireland National Team Captain: "Playing Against a Genocide" - [theghanareport.com](https://theghanareport.com/sports/hallgrimsson-accused-of-ignorance-hypocrisy-and-stupidity) — Hallgrimsson accused of 'ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity' - The Ghana Report - [football-addict](https://football-addict.com/fr/article/general/nous-jouons-contre-un-genocide-un-pays-europeen-appelle-au-boycott-d-israel-avant-la-ligue-des-nations/6ab25cdd1fbfdb44680545ed) — "We Are Playing Against Genocide": a European Country Calls for Israel to Boycott Before the League of Nations - [walfoot.be](https://walfoot.be/news/2026-09-22/nous-jouons-contre-un-genocide-un-pays-europeen-appelle-au-boycott-disrael-avant-la-ligue-des-nations) — "We Are Playing Against Genocide": a European Country Calls for Israel to Boycott Before the League of Nations - [Extra.ie](https://extra.ie/2026/09/22/sport/israel-post-heimir-hallgrimsson) — Israel makes scathing social media post against Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson - [Il Fatto Quotidiano](https://ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/09/22/israele-irlanda-nations-league-hallgrimsson-giochiamo-contro-il-genocidio-replica-israele-tensione/8514132) — Israel-Ireland, Ct Hallgrimsson: "Let's Play Against Genocide" - [Haber7](https://spor.haber7.com/milli-takim/haber/3661701-irlandanin-hocasi-israili-mac-oncesi-cildirtti-soykirima-karsi-oynuyoruz) — Ireland's Coach Infuriated Israel Before the Match: "We Are Playing Against Genocide!" - [Nettavisen](https://nettavisen.no/sport/israels-fotballforbund-slar-tilbake-etter-irland-utspill-dumskap-uvitenhet-og-hykleri/s/80-95-98457) — Israel Hits Back: – Stupidity, Ignorance and Hypocrisy - [iDNES.cz](https://idnes.cz/fotbal/reprezentace/irsko-izrael-reprezentace-konflikt-trener-spor-genocida.A260922_102928_fot_reprez_tals) — We Haven't Found a Cure for Stupidity yet. Israel Criticizes Coach for Genocide Statement - [na.se](https://na.se/sport/irlands-forbundskapten-spelar-mot-ett-folkmord) — Ireland National Team Captain: "Playing Against a Genocide" - [Eldiario.es](https://eldiario.es/internacional/seleccionador-irlanda-partido-futbol-israel-jugamos-genocidio_1_13528042.html) — Ireland's Coach, on the Football Match Against Israel: "We Play Against Genocide" - [Algemeen Dagblad](https://ad.nl/voetbal/onwetend-hypocriet-en-dom-israelische-bond-hekelt-ierse-bondscoach-die-zegt-tegen-genocide-te-spelen~a7eb715b) — ‘Ignorant, Hypocritical and Stupid’: Israeli Federation Denounces Irish National Coach, Who Says He Is ‘Playing Against Genocide’ - [haberglobal.com](https://haberglobal.com/spor/irlanda-milli-takimi-teknik-direktoru-heimir-hallgrimssondan-israile-tepki-biz-soykirimla-oynamiyoruz-soykirima-karsi-oynuyoruz-545297) — Irish National Team Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson Responds to Israel: “We Are Not Playing with Genocide, We Are Playing Against Genocide” - [The National](https://thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2026/09/22/israel-vs-ireland-boycott-calls-protests-and-the-nations-league-dispute-explained) — Israel vs Ireland: Boycott calls, protests and the Nations League dispute explained - [24ur.com](https://24ur.com/sport/nogomet/irski-strateg-igrali-bomo-proti-genocidu-izrael-odgovarja-za-taksno-neumnost-ni-zdravila.html) — Ireland Coach: We Will Play Against Genocide. The Israelis Respond Harshly - [La Repubblica](https://repubblica.it/sport/calcio/2026/09/22/news/israele_irlanda_hallgrimsson_genocidio-425599877) — Israel Attacks the Ct of Ireland: "We Have Not Found the Cure Against Stupidity and Ignorance" - [KOHA.net](https://koha.net/futboll/deklarata-e-bujshme-e-selektorit-te-irlandes-reagon-izraeli) — Israel Reacts to Ireland Coach's Sensational Statement - [voetbalnieuws.be](https://voetbalnieuws.be/news/925128/israel-woest-na-ierse-uitspraken-hypocriet-en-dom) — Israel Furious After Irish Statements: “Hypocritical and Stupid!” - [voetbalkrant.com](https://voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2026-09-22/bondscoach-ierland-zorgt-voor-rel-richting-israel-we-spelen-tegen-genocide) — Ireland National Coach Sparks Controversy Regarding Israel: “We Are Playing Against Genocide” - [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/irlanda-nin-hocasi-hallgrimsson-israil-maci-oncesi-20259898-haberi) — Ireland Manager Hallgrimsson Reacted to the Genocide Allegations Before the Israel Match. - [NEWSru.co.il](https://newsru.co.il/sport/22sep2026/ireland906.html) — IFA's Statement: "The Coach of Ireland Represents Ignorance and stupidity." - [sport.cz](https://sport.cz/clanek/fotbal-liga-narodu-cesi-jeho-tym-vyradili-v-boji-o-ms-izraelci-ted-trenera-nazvali-hlupakem-pred-ligou-narodu-letaji-urazky-5540858) — The Czechs Eliminated His Team in the Fight for the World Cup, the Israelis Have Now Called the Coach a Fool. Insults Are Flying Ahead of the League of Nations - [Daily Mirror](https://mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ireland-israel-fa-manager-comments-37687514) — Israel row erupts as their FA hit back and call Ireland boss 'stupid' - [OKDIARIO](https://okdiario.com/deportes/federacion-israel-llama-estupidos-ignorantes-hipocritas-irlanda-querer-boicotear-partido-liga-naciones-20356131) — The Federation of Israel Calls that of Ireland “Stupid, Ignorant and Hypocritical” for Wanting to Boycott the League of Nations Party - [Telegrafi](https://telegrafi.com/tensionet-rriten-para-ndeshjes-izraeli-sulmon-ashper-trajnerin-e-irlandes) — Tensions Rise Before the Match, Israel Harshly Attacks Ireland Coach - [rmf24.pl](https://rmf24.pl/fakty/sport/news-goraco-przed-meczem-ligi-narodow-oburzony-izrael-wydal-ostry,nIdn,1018637) — The Heat Is on Ahead of the Nations League Match. Outraged Israel Issues a Harsh Statement. - [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/sport/football/article-16150315/Israel-FA-Ireland-manager.html) — Israel's FA accuse Ireland manager of 'hypocrisy and stupidity' - [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/sport/football/israel-ireland-heimir-hallgrimsson-comments-genocide-b3053991.html) — Israel accuse Ireland manager of ‘hypocrisy and stupidity’ over ‘genocide’ comments - [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/sport/football/israel-ireland-heimir-hallgrimsson-comments-genocide-b3053991.html) — Israel accuse Ireland manager of ‘hypocrisy and stupidity’ over ‘genocide’ comments - [The Journal](https://thejournal.ie/israel-fa-ireland-soccer-nations-league-heimir-hallgrimsson-7169107-Sep2026) — Israel FA accuses Ireland football manager of ‘stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy' - [USA Today](https://usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2026/09/22/ireland-heimir-hallgrimsson-criticized-for-stupidity-by-israel-fa/91883093007) — Ireland soccer coach criticized for 'stupidity' by Israel FA after comments - [Unknown](https://chosun.com/sports/world-football/2026/09/22/MZRGINLFG44DONTCGZRTQYRTMU) — "Will Stand Against the Butcher": Ireland Coach Publicly Attacks → "Stupid" Israel Retaliates; Will UEFA Draw Its Sword for Sanctions? - [24 HU](https://24.hu/sport/foci/2026/09/22/nemzetek-ligaja-izrael-irorszag-debrecen-uzengetes) — Genocide, Hypocrisy and Ignorance – the Atmosphere Heats up for the NL Match in Debrecen - [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260922064100007) — "Stand Against the Genocide" vs. "Ignorance"... Ireland and Israel Football War of Words - [Fréttir - mbl.is](https://mbl.is/sport/fotbolti/2026/09/21/israelar_hrauna_yfir_heimi_hallgrimsson) — Israelis Are Raving About Heimir Hallgrímsson - [online-listing.com](https://online-listing.com/news/blogger/2026/09/21/hallgrimsson-accused-of-ignorance-hypocrisy-and-stupidity-2/happenings) — Hallgrimsson accused of ‘ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity’ - [fotbolti.net](https://fotbolti.net/news/21-09-2026/heimska-og-hraesni-heimir-faer-ad-heyra-thad-fra-israelska-sambandinu) — "Stupidity and Hypocrisy" - The World Gets to Hear It From the Israeli Government - [ESPN](https://espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/50000768/israeli-fa-accuses-ireland-coach-heimir-hallgrimsson-hypocrisy-playing-genocide-comments) — Israel FA accuses Ireland head coach of 'hypocrisy' - [Akşam](https://aksam.com.tr/dunya/irlanda-teknik-direktoru-hallgrimsson-konustu-israil-cildirdi-katliamci-zihniyetin-karsisindayiz/haber-1700226) — Ireland Manager Hallgrimsson Spoke, Enraging Israel: We Oppose the Genocidal Mentality. - [The Telegraph](https://telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/09/21/israel-accuses-ireland-manager-ignorance-genocide-comment) — Israel accuses Ireland manager of 'ignorance and hypocrisy' after ... - [Haaretz](https://haaretz.com/sports/2026-09-22/ty-article/.premium/israeli-soccer-body-slams-stupidity-of-ireland-coach-over-genocide-comments/000001a0-c5a4-d01a-a1ab-edf4458a0000) — Israeli soccer body slams 'stupidity' of Ireland coach over genocide comments - [The42](https://the42.ie/israel-fa-condemn-ireland-boss-hallgrimssons-stupidity-ignorance-and-hypocrisy-7169058-Sep2026) — Israel FA condemn Ireland boss Hallgrímsson's 'stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy' - [Klix](https://klix.ba/sport/nogomet/igramo-protiv-genocida-zestok-sukob-uoci-lige-nacija-izrael-ostro-odgovorio-selektoru-irske/260921215) — "We Are Playing Against Genocide": A Fierce Conflict Ahead of the League of Nations, Israel Responded Harshly to the Coach of Ireland - [sport.es](https://sport.es/es/noticias/futbol-internacional/conflicto-irlanda-israel-nations-league-134537430) — Ireland-Israel Conflict for the Nations League! 'Ignorance, Hypocrisy and Stupidity' - [Belfast Telegraph](https://belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/stupidity-and-hypocrisy-israel-fa-launch-scathing-attack-on-republic-of-ireland-and-heimir-hallgrimsson/a/161804409.html) — ‘Stupidity and hypocrisy’: Israel FA launch scathing attack on Republic of Ireland and Heimir Hallgrimsson - [Vísir](https://visir.is/g/20262937908d/kalladur-heimskur-og-hraesnari-fyrir-ad-gagn-ryna-thjodar-mord-i-israel) — Called Stupid and Hypocritical for Criticizing Genocide in Israel - [RTÉ](https://rte.ie/sport/soccer/2026/0921/1592439-israel-fa-hit-out-at-hallgrimssons-genocide-comments) — Israel FA hit out at Hallgrimsson's genocide comments - [Irish Examiner](https://irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41914006.html) — Israel FA considers complaint to Uefa over Hallgrimsson's genocide remarks - [Dnevni list Danas](https://danas.rs/sport/fs-izrael-zalba-uefa-hejmir-halgrimson-liga-nacija) — The Israel Football Federation Is Considering the Possibility of Appealing to UEFA over the Comments Made by the Irish Coach About Genocide - [Irish Times](https://irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/09/21/israel-fa-considering-complaint-against-heimir-hallgrimsson-for-use-of-word-genocide) — Israel FA considering complaint against Heimir Hallgrímsson for use of word ‘genocide’ ## Questions **What did the Republic of Ireland manager say about the match against Israel?** Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson stated that his team would be "playing against genocide" in the upcoming Nations League matches against Israel. He clarified this by saying, "We are not playing with genocide, we are playing against genocide. We are playing against Israel." **How did the Israel Football Association respond to Hallgrimsson's comments?** The Israel Football Association responded on social media, criticising Hallgrimsson's remarks. They called him "stupid, ignorant and hypocritical" and stated they had "not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by [Ireland’s] team coach." **Where will the Nations League match between Ireland and Israel be played?** The Nations League fixture between Ireland and Israel will be held at a neutral venue in Debrecen, Hungary. This is due to security measures in place since 2023. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/israel-fa-criticises-ireland-manager-over-genocide-comments. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Israel FA criticises Ireland manager over 'genocide' comments", https://mediabias.news/politics/israel-fa-criticises-ireland-manager-over-genocide-comments