Referee Allard Lindhout sent the players for a hydration break as soon as the balls bearing Palestinian flags landed on the grass with Ireland 1-0 up after 19 minutes played.
“I think it kind of helped us in a good moment,” Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson told broadcaster RTÉ of the protest. “We could have a breather and some drinks. But you’re never happy with this, but understand it and respect it.”
The game resumed after a four-minute break, but there was another brief diversion when a man carrying a Palestinian flag tried running onto the field before being stopped by stewards, the AP reported.
At halftime, RTÉ published a statement from the “Stop the Game” initiative claiming responsibility for the tennis ball action and declaring it over.
Members of the group had also gathered before the game to oppose Ireland’s matches against Israel because of the Israeli regime’s actions in Gaza. A gathering displayed a Palestinian flag and banners in support of Ireland player Gavin Bazunu, who decided Saturday to boycott both of his team’s matches against Israel.
The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign also organized a protest outside the stadium, as well as others around the country.
They’re calling for Ireland to boycott its remaining Nations League match against Israel — Ireland’s “home” game though it’s set to be played without any fans present in in Backa Topola, Serbia on Sunday.