This time Ireland is technically at home, but the Football Association of Ireland decided in June that the game could not be staged in Dublin.
The FAI referred to “operational challenges” that could affect its ability to stage the match in Ireland. It subsequently also cited safety and security concerns when announcing that Irish supporters would not receive tickets for either meeting with Israel. UEFA approved the move to the neutral venue in Serbia, and today’s game will take place entirely behind closed doors.
The decision followed protests calling on Ireland not to play Israel. A friendly against Qatar at the Aviva Stadium in May was twice interrupted when protesters threw tennis balls bearing Palestinian flags onto the field.
The TSC Arena in Bačka Topola, more than 80 miles north of Belgrade and close to the Hungarian border, was eventually selected as the venue.
