Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason Knight has publicly expressed his opposition to the team's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The match is scheduled to take place in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday at 19:45 BST, with the return fixture set for October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia. Knight's comments make him the first Republic of Ireland player to speak out against the fixture.
The fixtures have attracted growing opposition in Ireland, with the "Stop The Game" campaign calling for Ireland to withdraw from the matches. Knight's concerns are shared by many in Ireland, where there is significant public debate surrounding the team's participation in the qualifiers. The Ireland captain, Dara O'Shea, confirmed that the players would meet on Friday to discuss their approach to Sunday's match, which will be played without Irish fans in attendance.
Knight emphasized that he had already considered the issue before joining the national team, given the public debate surrounding the fixtures in Ireland. He stated that he would continue to concentrate on his football while expressing his views when necessary. The Bristol City midfielder said he had weighed his thoughts carefully and was now looking forward to a detailed discussion with his teammates about the situation and its implications.
The controversy surrounding the fixtures comes amid the continuing conflict in Gaza, which began following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. According to Israeli authorities, the attack killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Israel subsequently launched a military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in more than 73,000 deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
The Ireland-Israel fixture is scheduled to be played in Hungary, while the return match in Serbia is due to take place behind closed doors. Knight and his teammates will hold a detailed discussion about the situation and consider the implications of any position they take. The players will examine the consequences of their actions and decide on the best course of action.
Knight's comments have sparked a significant debate in Ireland, with many calling for the team to withdraw from the matches. The "Stop The Game" campaign has gained momentum in recent days, with many Irish fans and politicians expressing their opposition to the team's participation in the qualifiers. The team's management, including the manager and senior players, have also weighed in on the issue.
The situation has put the Republic of Ireland team in a difficult position, with Knight and his teammates facing a tough decision about how to proceed. The team's players, including Knight, will continue to focus on their football while also considering their personal views on the matter. The outcome of the team's discussion and the implications of their decision remain to be seen.
Key points
- Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason Knight has called for the team's World Cup qualifier against Israel to be stopped amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
