Ireland players refuse handshakes and bow heads to Israeli anthem in Nations League clash | OneFootball

The Republic of Ireland players refused pre-match handshakes and bowed their heads during Israel’s anthem, wearing black armbands to honour lives lost in the conflict, in a contentious Nations League tie.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the squad spent hours at their hotel debating whether to play, eventually voting to go ahead, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu left the camp.

There was no greeting between captains when officials determined the kick-off. The stadium was half empty, Irish supporters did not travel, and the national broadcaster did not send commentators.

Once the game began, Ireland burst out and were 0-3 up in short order. Around 150 Israeli fans, flags aloft and loud early on, were quickly quietened.

An hour before kick-off, head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said it had been one of his most difficult weeks and that many players had mixed feelings. He had earlier expressed regret for using the word genocide about the opponents, and said they hoped to make more right than wrong decisions, accepting they would not get everything right.

Pressure from home to boycott the match was intense. The Football Association of Ireland moved the fixture from Dublin to Debrecen but did not cancel it, citing fear of UEFA reprisals, a stance Hallgrimsson said left a very young squad in a difficult position.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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