Ireland refuse handshakes as Daniel Peretz beaten 3-0 in contentious Hungary clash | OneFootball

Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Hungary on Sunday, a fixture overshadowed by protest and pre-match debate. Southampton’s Daniel Peretz started for Israel, Ryan Manning began for Ireland, and Finn Azaz was named among the substitutes.

There were doubts the game would proceed after concerns were raised within Ireland’s camp amid the conflict in the Middle East. According to Sainstmarching.com, former Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opposed playing and was the only Ireland player to opt out.

After deliberation Ireland played the UEFA Nations League tie, but marked their stance by wearing black armbands and bowing their heads during the anthem. They also refused pre-match handshakes with Israel, so Manning did not greet club-mate Peretz.

In an eerily empty stadium, Ireland won 3-0 through goals from Troy Parrot, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan, all past Peretz. Azaz did not come on.

Bazunu later set out his position on Instagram, citing deep respect for team-mates and staff, a faith-led belief that taking part against Israel would be wrong, and condemnation of the killing of innocent people. He stressed his stance was against atrocities, not Israelis or the Jewish community, and that this felt like a moment to stand for something bigger.

Southampton will hope tensions from the international break do not spill into club matters. With head coach Tonda Eckert overseeing a group that includes Peretz, Manning and Azaz, the focus now turns to the south coast derby after the three-week interval.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”