After much contemplation regarding a possible boycott to protest the destructive attacks carried out in Gaza, Ireland decided to play its match against Israel this Sunday within the framework of the Nations League.
However, the Irish players chose to make a gesture during the Israeli national anthem: they all lowered their heads as the Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, rang out.
Moreover, the players implemented a strict opposition protocol just before kickoff in Debrecen (Hungary):
• Refusal of handshakes: The Irish players, including captain Dara O’Shea, refused to shake hands with their Israeli counterparts.
• No exchange of flags nor joint photo: The pre-match courtesy rituals and the official photo between the two teams were cancelled.
• Wearing a black armband: The Irish entered the field with a black armband, designated by their federation as a symbol of mourning for all lives lost in the Gaza conflict.
Beyond the collective gestures on the pitch, this confrontation led to strong actions :
• Gavin Bazunu’s withdrawal: The Ireland national team goalkeeper, Gavin Bazunu, publicly withdrew, citing his personal and religious beliefs, stating that he considered it as “wrong” to participate in this match.
• Media and television blackout: The Ireland squad secured exemption from all media obligations (pre- and post-match interviews).
In Ireland, public broadcaster RTÉ aired the match without any sound commentary as a sign of moral compromise.
Scheduled to take place away this Sunday, Ireland played the first leg in Hungary, while the return, considered “home” next Sunday, will take place in Serbia.
