Seamus Coleman demands Irish players should not be questioned on Israel's wars in Middle East

Seamus Coleman has demanded that the Republic of Ireland's players should not be questioned on Israel's wars in the Middle East.

Skipper Nathan Collins and head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson were both asked about the situation during the lead-up to Thursday night's friendly match against Qatar.

It comes after the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said the fixtures in September and October would go ahead.

Coleman said: "My views are very clear on the fact that Nathan and the younger players, and Ireland, the fans, the manager, it should not have landed on our toes to answer questions about this.

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"It should have been dealt with above us. I am a dad, I am a husband, I've got a heart, I know the difference between right and wrong.

"If I was to ask you the same question, it would be the same opinion?

"It is awful what is happening, it is extremely sad and a very difficult position for the players to be in.

"I don't think we should be in this position, absolutely not, but of course we've got to answer on it. It is very uncomfortable."

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The FAI General Assembly announced in November last year that it approved a motion mandating the FAI board to request that Uefa immediately suspend Israel from international competition due to breaches of Uefa statutes.

The motion was approved with 74 votes in favour, seven against, and two abstentions.

In February of this year, the FAI sent a letter to its members confirming that the fixtures scheduled for neutral territory on September 27 and in Dublin on October 4 would proceed as planned.

This decision was made due to the potential "serious consequences" of not fulfilling the matches.

When asked how he felt about those answering questions, Coleman said: "The FAI, Uefa, whatever it is. I feel like it should not have landed on 22, 23, 24-year-old lads that are here to play for their country.

"We represent our country, the people of Ireland, and we've got to take that into account, what their opinion is on it as well.

"It is not straightforward either. That is the human side, which is so, so important. It should not be on our toes."

He continued: "There is the football side, the sanctions and everything that comes with it.

"It is very difficult for us players, the manager, and all the staff that we are dealing with this.

"You know our feelings as human beings."

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