Ireland to Play Israel in Nations League Match Amidst Protests and Player Boycott Calls

Republic of Ireland's head coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, has confirmed that the team's second Nations League match against Israel will proceed this Sunday, despite calls for a boycott and protests. The confirmation comes after Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in their initial fixture, a match marked by the ethical withdrawal of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and widespread public dissent.

A petition urging the game's cancellation garnered nearly 20,000 signatures, and hundreds of pubs across Ireland boycotted the first encounter, vowing to do the same for the upcoming match. Protests have also occurred outside the team's hotel in Dublin.

"The FAI [Football Association of Ireland] has said we are playing both games," Hallgrimsson stated ahead of Thursday's match against Austria. "That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention. We are trying to focus on the football. It is already decided we will fulfil the games. It's been tough, especially on the players."

Hallgrimsson confirmed that players had not informed him of any further meetings to decide on playing the match, and that a "significant" majority of players had elected to fulfill their away fixture. A "Stop The Game" campaign, organized by Irish Sport for Palestine, has called for further protests.

Prior to the first match, Ireland captain Dara O'Shea notably did not shake hands with Israel's captain Manor Solomon at the coin toss. The Irish team wore black armbands in "recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict" and pointedly looked at the ground during the Israeli national anthem.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was the sole squad member to officially withdraw from selection for the Israel matches, citing his belief that "the killing of innocent people is wrong" and that his stance was "not in opposition to the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region." Bazunu, however, remained with the team for the Austria match and will be replaced by Josh Keeley for the second fixture against Israel. Hallgrimsson praised Bazunu's character and the squad's solidarity in welcoming him back.

Hallgrimsson also commended Finn Azaz, a player with Israeli heritage who was an unused substitute, for his conduct and grace within the camp amidst the sensitive situation. "It is about being a member of a team, so you need to listen to all opinions," Hallgrimsson said.

Following the first match, Israel's captain Solomon expressed frustration with the Irish team's actions, stating, "They said nonsense [to us] during the game... Of course they hate us and we don't like them." He added, "We are Israelis and love the country. And that will always be the case."

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions and diplomatic actions by Ireland concerning the conflict in Gaza. Ireland officially recognized a Palestinian state in May 2024 and joined South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The country has also boycotted goods from illegal Israeli settlements and issued travel bans on certain Israeli government ministers.

The war began on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas-led attack on Israel. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with ongoing military operations in Gaza.

The second match against Israel is scheduled to take place behind closed doors in Serbia.