Ireland beat Israel amid boycott pressure over Gaza
The FAI said Ireland’s black armbands recognised all lives lost in the conflict. Captain Dara O’Shea pledged his match earnings to Gaza aid.
The Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3–0 in Hungary on 27 September, securing their first Group B3 win after losing to Kosovo three days earlier. It was the first of two UEFA Nations League fixtures between the teams.
Ireland’s players wore black armbands, which the Football Association of Ireland said recognised all lives lost in the conflict. Players appeared to bow their heads during Israel’s anthem, and the teams did not shake hands. The FAI said it had told Israel in advance about the handshakes and UEFA accepted the arrangement.
The match went ahead after months of pressure on the FAI to withdraw. More than 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter urging the association to reconsider its decision.
Captain Dara O’Shea pledged his match earnings to Gaza aid; the amount and transfer details were not reported. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both fixtures, saying he felt it would be wrong to participate.
Ireland’s second fixture against Israel is scheduled for 4 October in Bačka Topola, Serbia.
