Neutral venues and no 'away' fans - how Israel v Republic of Ireland became so contentious

An elite-level European football match will be played on Sunday at a neutral stadium, with no 'away' fans, and reduced television coverage.

That the match is even taking place had been in doubt - one side had to vote on a motion confirming whether or not they would participate amid significant opposition from fans, pundits and politicians.

But the vote confirmed the fixture would go ahead, and now the Republic of Ireland will travel to Debrecen, Hungary, for a Uefa Nations League 'away' match against Israel, played against a backdrop of ongoing and increasingly volatile disagreement between the two countries about Israel's military offensive in Gaza.

And on 4 October, the Republic of Ireland will face the same opponents in a 'home' match in Backa Topola - a small town in Serbia.

No tickets have been sold to Irish fans for either fixture, and Irish public broadcaster RTE will air a stripped-back version of match coverage, with no commentators, pundits, or half-time analysis.

So how did a Uefa Nations League match become one of the most contentious fixtures in football?

As soon as the Republic of Ireland were placed with Israel - plus Austria and Kosovo - at the Nations League draw in February, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) faced calls from some to boycott the matches because of Israel's military action in Gaza.

In May a friendly match the Republic of Ireland played against Qatar in Dublin was twice interrupted after fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch featuring the Palestinian flag.