The Republic of Ireland players took a stand before their UEFA Nations League match against Israel on Sunday, declining to shake hands with their opponents and bowing their heads during Israel's national anthem. This pre-match gesture was made amid controversy surrounding the fixture and the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. The Irish team also opted not to exchange pennants with Israel before kick-off. The match was played in Hungary, and Ireland won 3-0.
The Ireland players' actions drew international attention to the conflict, according to manager Heimir Hallgrimsson. He expressed hope that such actions would not be necessary in the next game, stating that the players had shown support for the protest and raised awareness worldwide about the subject. Hallgrimsson's comments were made in an interview with RTÉ after the match.
The decision to play the match was made after a lengthy meeting at the team's hotel in Debrecen on Saturday. The players voted by a significant majority to proceed with the fixture. However, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad, citing his belief that it would be wrong for him to participate in the match and the return fixture scheduled for 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia.
Hallgrimsson said Bazunu's decision was not questioned by his teammates, although the timing presented difficulties for the team. The manager noted that the squad had to react quickly to Bazunu's withdrawal. The Irish players also wore black armbands during the match to recognise lives lost in the Gaza conflict.
Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell stated that the gesture was intended to acknowledge the lives lost in the Gaza conflict. After scoring Ireland's third goal, Jack Moylan removed his armband and kissed it before kissing the team badge. The fixtures between Ireland and Israel faced calls for a boycott since the Nations League draw in February.
The Football Association of Ireland had previously backed a motion calling for UEFA to suspend Israel from its competitions. Over 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter urging the national team not to play the fixtures. However, the FAI later decided to proceed with the matches, citing concerns that a boycott could cause significant and lasting harm to the association.
The two fixtures are being played at neutral venues, with Ireland's home match moved from Dublin to Backa Topola. The controversy surrounding the matches intensified after Hallgrimsson described the team as "not playing with genocide, but playing against genocide". He later clarified that the use of the word "genocide" was wrong. Israel has repeatedly denied allegations of genocide and war crimes in Gaza.
Key points
- Republic of Ireland players declined to shake hands with Israeli counterparts and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem.
- The match was played amid controversy surrounding the Israel-Gaza war and calls for a boycott.
- The Football Association of Ireland decided to proceed with the matches, citing concerns over potential harm to the association.
