Ireland players boycott handshake, bow heads in protest during Israel anthem in Nations League clash
Irish players wore black armbands and made several gestures in protest against Israel’s war in Gaza during their 3-0 win in Debrecen.
Ireland players refused the customary pre-match handshake and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem before their Uefa Nations League clash in Hungary's Debrecen, yesterday (27 September), in a protest linked to the war in Gaza.
The Irish players also wore black armbands throughout the match in recognition of lives lost in the conflict, according to The Athletic.
Ireland captain Dara O'Shea kept his hands behind his back during the pre-match protocol and did not shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon. The two teams then moved directly to their respective sides without the customary handshake or pennant exchange.
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The Irish players bowed their heads as Israel's national anthem was played.
Ireland's protest continued after they scored three goals in the first 25 minutes. Troy Parrott opened the scoring in the 14th minute, Adam Idah doubled the lead two minutes later and Jack Moylan made it 3-0 in the 25th.
After scoring, Moylan removed his black armband, raised it towards the Israeli supporters and kissed it before kissing the Ireland badge.
The match was preceded by uncertainty over whether Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu would play. Bazunu withdrew from the squad, saying he did not want to take part while civilians were being killed in Gaza.
He said his decision was based on his personal belief that playing the match would be wrong and stressed that his position was not directed against Israeli people or the Jewish community.
Bazunu's decision prompted around four hours of discussions among Irish players and staff over whether the team should fulfil the fixture. A significant majority eventually voted to play.
The dispute had been building for weeks. More than 160 Irish athletes and sports figures had called on the national team to boycott matches against Israel, while the Football Association of Ireland had backed a request for Uefa to suspend Israel from European competition.
The FAI ultimately decided to proceed with the fixtures, citing the consequences of withdrawing. The players, however, chose to express their position through gestures before and during the match.
The 3-0 victory gave Ireland their first Nations League win of the campaign.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on 4 October.
