Republic of Ireland to wear black armbands for Israel game

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, FAI chief executive David Courell confirmed one player has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad in protest

Republic of Ireland players intend to wear black armbands "in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict" for Sunday's Nations League game against Israel in Hungary, after confirming they will go ahead with the fixture.

Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell confirmed one player has withdrawn from the squad before the match.

But he added that a vote among the squad produced a "significant majority" in favour of playing.

As well as the intention to wear black armbands for Sunday's 'away' game against Israel in Debrecen, Courell said the players will make further gestures for the initial game and the return 'home' fixture against Israel next Sunday in Serbia.