Irish Soccer Players Protest Israel Match Amid Gaza Conflict Concerns

Players from the Republic of Ireland soccer team wore black armbands and declined to shake hands with their Israeli opponents during a contentious Nations League match on Sunday. The game, held in Debrecen, Hungary, followed calls for Ireland to boycott the match due to Israel's actions in Gaza.

Ireland's soccer federation had previously attempted to have Israel banned from club and international play and had its home game against Israel moved to a neutral site without fans. Despite these efforts, the match proceeded.

During the pre-match anthems, Irish players reportedly looked down at the grass with their hands behind their backs. Ireland's captain, Dara O'Shea, also kept his hands behind his back during the pre-match talk and did not shake hands with the Israeli players.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted out of the match entirely, stating his refusal to play was based on his personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong. He clarified that his stance was not against the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has condemned antisemitism but described Israel's military response in Gaza as "absolutely disproportionate." The Football Association of Ireland CEO, David Courell, stated that Irish players voted to play the match after extensive discussions.

Israel's Football Association maintained that politics and sports should remain separate and is scheduled to play its remaining Nations League matches in Debrecen.

The match concluded with Ireland defeating Israel 3-0. IMAGE2 Players of Israel and Ireland stand for anthems before a UEFA Nations League soccer match in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Zsolt Czegledi)