The Irish national football team took a stand before their UEFA Nations League match against Israel on September 27, 2026, in Hungary. The players refused to shake hands with their Israeli counterparts and turned their heads during the Israeli national anthem. This gesture was a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a protest against Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza. The match ended with a 3-0 win for Ireland, with goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, and Jack Moylan within the first 25 minutes.
The Irish team's decision to take a stand was not taken lightly. According to the team's coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, the players had a long discussion about the issue in their hotel on Saturday. The team had been under pressure to take a stance, with some fans and activists calling for them to boycott the match altogether. Hallgrimsson stated that the players had "sent a message to the world" with their actions, and that they had shown their support for the Palestinian people.
The incident has sparked a lot of debate and discussion in the football world. The Irish Football Association (FAI) had previously expressed its concerns about the match, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The association had also considered boycotting the match, but ultimately decided to play it. The FAI's chief executive, David Courell, stated that the team's actions were a "reminder of the lives lost in the conflict in Gaza."
The Irish players' actions were not limited to the handshake and anthem incidents. They also wore black armbands to commemorate the lives lost in the conflict. The team's goalkeeper, Gavin Bazunu, had initially announced that he would not play in the match, citing his concerns about the conflict. However, he eventually decided to play.
This is not the first time that Irish football has been embroiled in controversy over Israel. In 2024, the Irish women's basketball team refused to shake hands with their Israeli counterparts and did not stand for the national anthem before a EuroBasket qualifying match. However, the teams did shake hands and show respect for each other during their next meeting.
The incident has also sparked a reaction from UEFA. The governing body has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some calling for it to take a stronger stance against Israel. In November 2025, the FAI called on UEFA to suspend Israel from European competitions.
The controversy surrounding the match has continued to grow, with over 160 Irish athletes signing an open letter calling for the team to boycott future matches against Israel. The incident has highlighted the complex and often contentious nature of politics and sport, and has sparked a wider debate about the role of football in international relations.
Key points
- The Irish national football team's refusal to shake hands with Israeli players and turn their heads during the national anthem was a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
- The incident has sparked a lot of debate and discussion in the football world, with some calling for UEFA to take a stronger stance against Israel.
- The Irish Football Association had previously expressed its concerns about the match, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
