Cheer for Israel? Sorry, not in this game, boyo

The Israeli embassy has called on the community to "come and show your support for Israel" in its football match against Wales - but the appeal has fallen on deaf ears as far as Welsh Jews are concerned.

The game in Cardiff in September could seal Wales' place in the 2016 European Championships, which would be their first appearance at a major tournament in 58 years.

A proud Welshman Howard Jacobson - who shares a name with an English Jewish novelist - was in doubt about who he was supporting. "It's definitely Wales for me. There are no split loyalties. If it were Israel against someone else I'd want Israel to win, but in this case it's Wales." But he added: "I'd encourage Jews to come from all over Britain to Cardiff to support Israel if they're inclined to do that."

However his son, professional footballer Joe Jacobson, a former Wales under-21 captain, was more diplomatic, joking: "I support the team who wins, really. I've played with a lot of the guys in the current Wales squad so I'd love them to get to Euro 2016, but I'd also love Israel to qualify."