Ireland’s Nations League match against Austria was briefly halted on October 1 after protesters threw tennis balls onto the pitch.

The Group B3 game at the Aviva Stadium was suspended in the 20th minute. The tennis balls featured Palestinian flags. Ireland were leading 1-0 at the time.

The protesters oppose the Irish team fulfilling its fixtures against Israel. Ireland are among Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s war in Gaza.

Play resumed after the protest. Troy Parrott had put Ireland ahead in the 12th minute with a low strike into the far corner.

The match finished 2-2. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was on the bench and will miss the home game against Israel next Sunday.

That game was moved by the Football Association of Ireland to Backa Topola in Serbia. It will be played behind closed doors. Parrott danced through the Austrian defence before striking low into the far corner. The players had earlier held two votes on whether to fulfil the Israel fixture, with a majority opting to play.