THE Republic of Ireland’s pre-match press conference and training for Sunday’s Nations League fixture against Israel was delayed.
The press conference was due to take place in Debrecen in Hungary, where the game is taking place, on Saturday morning at 9:15am Irish time.
But that was pushed back, with RTE reporting that the squad is expected to issue a statement outlining its position on playing the fixture as well as the return game in Serbia next week.
It was reported that, 15 minutes before the press conference was due to start, media were told that it was delayed until after training.
Per RTE, UEFA were informed of a further delay with the panel still to arrive at the Nagyerdei Stadium.
Shortly before 11:30am Irish time, media decamped from the stadium to the team hotel, where players were discussing an approach to the game with officials.
Two hours later, at 1:30pm Irish time, it was revealed that the training session would be taking place at 2:45pm Irish time, with the postponed press conference at 2:30pm Irish time.
It comes amid confusion and uncertainty relating to the squad’s position on playing Sunday’s fixture.
Daniel McDonnell from the Irish Independent reported that Gavin Bazunu expressed his unwillingness to be involved in the games.
It is believed that the Bolton Wanderers and Ireland goalkeeper told the squad during a meeting on Friday night that he didn’t want to be involved.
Ireland started the Nations League with a deserved 1-0 loss in Kosovo on Thursday night.
But the build-up to the game was dominated by questions concerning Sunday’s game against Israel.
Dara O’Shea, captain in the absence of an injured Nathan Collins, said that the players would discuss any potential gestures during Friday night’s meeting.
He said: “We spoke already at the start of the week that we’re going to come together on Friday and discuss this as a group.
“We’ve got a game to focus on and I don’t think we’d be doing our job properly if we don’t put our full focus on that game.
“But once the game is over on Friday, we’re all going to come together and discuss it openly. Come together, that is the main thing.
“It’s a difficult situation, an unusual one for ourselves to find ourselves in.
“For me, first and foremost at club level or international level, it’s important that we do come together and all speak openly.
“We’ve got to respect each other’s opinion and views, sit down and take the time and it deserves the time, that’s the main thing, and it can’t be brushed over.
“I do think whatever decision we come to as players is taken as one and everyone’s decision is respected as well.
“It’s a really unusual thing for us as players to deal with this, to have the noise following it and surrounding us.
“It’s not something you’re ever prepared for. But us as players we totally understand the situation and understand the noise and the feelings as well.”