Protestors call on Ireland to boycott second Nations League match against Israel
Protesters in Dublin are calling for a boycott of Ireland's upcoming Nations League match against Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite internal debate and a player boycott, the Football Association of Ireland has confirmed the match will proceed at a neutral venue in Serbia.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the intersection of international sports and geopolitical activism, forcing governing bodies to navigate political pressure while maintaining competition integrity.
DUBLIN (AP) — Protesters who are against Ireland playing its Nations League games against Israel because of Israel's actions in Gaza were gathering before the team's match against Austria in the Irish capital Thursday.
A small group of campaigners from the "Stop the Game" initiative had gathered close to the stadium and displayed a Palestinian flag and banners in support of Ireland player Gavin Bazunu , who decided Saturday to boycott both of his team's matches against Israel.
A larger protest organized by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign was due to take place outside the stadium later, as well as other protests it organized around the country.
They're calling for Ireland to boycott its remaining Nations League match against Israel — Ireland's "home" game though it's set to be played without any fans present in in Backa Topola, Serbia on Sunday.
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