Ireland players wear black armbands and refrain from handshakes in soccer game against Israel
Ireland's soccer team engaged in a silent protest against Israel during their Nations League match by wearing black armbands and refusing pre-match handshakes. The game took place amid significant controversy and public pressure regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Why it matters
The intersection of sports and geopolitics often creates high-tension environments, reflecting broader societal divisions and diplomatic friction.
DEBRECEN, Hungary -- There were no handshakes between Ireland and Israel players before their contentious Nations League match on Sunday, with the Irish team wearing black armbands for its 3-0 victory.
The game faced bitter opposition in Ireland over Israel’s actions in Gaza with the players coming under huge pressure to boycott two matches against Israel.
Reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno decided Saturday to leave the squad for both games because of what he said was his “personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.”
The Irish players looked down at the grass with their heads bowed and hands behind their backs during the playing of the Israeli national anthem, and Irish captain Dara O’Shea approached the center of the field for the pre-match talk with his hands still firmly clasped behind his back.
Also covering this story
15 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Ireland goalkeeper in one-man boycott of Israel match
Ireland’s match against Israel thrown into chaos as Bazunu tells squad he does not want to play
Ireland players vote to play Israel amid boycott threats
Republic of Ireland news conference delayed before controversial Israel game
UEFA Nations League: Ireland players agree to play Israel fixtures, plan black armbands
Republic of Ireland confirm rescheduled news conference before controversial Israel game
Ramos fires holders Portugal to 2-1 Nations League win in Norway
Klopp's Germany suffer shock loss at home to Greece
Irish PM Micheál Martin rejects antisemitism claims over Israel stance
Irish players to wear black armbands to boycott Israel
Germany vs Greece predictions: Home comforts to deliver three points
1-2: Bernardo Silva contributes to Portugal's victory in Norway
Israel 0-3 Republic of Ireland, Germany 0-1 Greece, Norway 1-2 Portugal: Nations League - as it happened
Israel v Ireland will go ahead after players vote to fulfil fixture
Czechia vs Croatia Nations League prediction, time, channel, odds
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in