Ireland midfielder Jason Knight says Israel qualifier should not go ahead

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason Knight has said he does not believe his country’s World Cup qualifier against Israel should go ahead amid continuing controversy surrounding the fixture.

Ireland are scheduled to face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, before a return fixture at a neutral venue in Serbia.

Knight became the first Republic of Ireland player to publicly express opposition to the match.

Speaking after Ireland’s defeat to Kosovo, the Bristol City midfielder said the issue had been widely discussed and that he had considered his position before reporting for international duty.

Ireland’s players were expected to hold further discussions about the fixture and the implications of any collective position they might take.

Captain Dara O’Shea had also confirmed that players planned to meet to discuss their response.

Opposition to the fixtures has increased in Ireland amid the continuing war in Gaza, with campaigners urging the national team not to participate.

Knight said he would continue concentrating on football while expressing his views when he believed it was appropriate.

The Ireland-Israel fixtures remain scheduled, meaning Knight’s comments represent his personal position rather than confirmation that either match has been cancelled.