Ireland Players Decline Handshakes with Israel, Bow Heads During Anthem

Caoimhin Kelleher, captain for the Republic of Ireland, and Israel's captain Dor Peretz did not shake hands prior to the Nations League fixture. The Irish players also bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, a gesture mirroring their actions in the previous match between the two nations.

The stance taken by the Irish team and officials came amid significant pressure to boycott the fixtures due to Israel's military actions in Gaza. The campaign, organized by the group Irish Sport for Palestine and supported by former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr and ex-international James McClean, urged players to withdraw.

Last weekend, the Irish players voted to participate in the match, wearing black armbands and opting against exchanging pennants pre-match, in addition to bowing their heads during the Israeli anthem. Ireland secured a 3-0 victory in that earlier fixture.

The decision to move the match overseas was made by the Football Association of Ireland in June. The current fixture was hosted in Backa Topola, Serbia.

Israel also wore black armbands, with UEFA having approved a request to honor victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks. Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in those attacks.

Ireland was without second-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who made himself unavailable for both fixtures. Finn Azaz, who has Israeli heritage, was on the bench, having played in Ireland's other Nations League matches.

Prior to the match, Ireland's press conference was reportedly ended early after an Israeli journalist accused Ireland players of using a racist term to describe their Israeli counterparts. An Irish official denied the allegation, stating it was "completely untrue."