Republic of Ireland rout Israel after protesting anthem and refusing handshakes | OneFootball

Match was subject to acrimonious build-up as players voted against boycott

Jack Moylan scored and added an assist as the Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in their controversial Nations League fixture in Debrecen, Hungary.

Troy Parrott opened the scoring and Adam Idah doubled their advantage before Moylan ensured the Republic were three goals to the good within the first 25 minutes at the Nagyerdei Stadium, where about 150 Israel supporters were in attendance for their ‘home’ fixture.

Moylan celebrated his goal by kissing and raising his black armband – worn by all the Republic players – before kissing his badge.

It was ultimately a comfortable victory for the Republic following a tumultuous 48 hours, during which the contest itself hung precariously in the balance.

Republic players initially met in Pristina on Friday to discuss their feelings about fulfilling the tie. On Saturday morning, the team postponed a scheduled press conference and training session, shrouding the situation in more mystery.

Republic of Ireland players and staff bowed their heads during the Israel national anthem

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It emerged the team were holed up in their hotel in an emergency four-hour summit that ultimately resulted in a vote to play, decided by what was described as a “significant majority” by Football Association of Ireland chief David Courell.

Courell also revealed a player had, on Saturday morning, told manager Heimir Hallgrimsson of his discomfort in fulfilling the Israel fixtures, triggering the meeting.

That player, Bolton keeper Gavin Bazunu, later posted a statement on Instagram confirming he had reached a decision that it would be “wrong” to participate. The Press Association understands Bazunu remained in camp on Sunday, but did not travel to the stadium with the squad.

For all the controversy and clamour leading up to this contest, inside the Nagyerdei Stadium it was quiet a few hours before kick-off, almost eerily so, until ‘Michelle’ – a song by Israel’s 2026 Eurovision entry Noam Bettan – started playing over the stadium speakers about 90 minutes before kick-off.

ROI captain Dara O'Shea refused to shake hands with his opposite number, West Ham’s Manor Solomon

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There was a noticeable but not overwhelming police presence outside, and Republic players and staff inside looked calm as they came out to survey the pitch.

Per UEFA rules, teams must have three goalkeepers in the registered squad, so QPR defender Jimmy Dunne was named in Hallgrimsson’s side as the third shot-stopper in place of Bazunu.

Hallgrimsson made five changes from Thursday’s 1-0 loss to Kosovo, and handed a debut to Sheffield United defender Liam Kitching.

As expected, the Republic walked out wearing the armbands, which on Saturday were described by Courell as being “in recognition of all the lives lost in the conflict”, referring to the Israel-Hamas war.

Jake O’Brien and Manor Solomon exchange pleasantries during Israel vs Republic of Ireland

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Republic players bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem, and did not pose for the customary pre-match photo and pennant exchange. What appeared to be a handful of supporters celebrated the Republic’s goals.

Republic captain Dara O’Shea, as also anticipated, did not exchange handshakes with his Israel counterpart Manor Solomon, but did shake hands with the officials.

There was an early attempt for the Irish via Jayson Molumby, who hit it over the crossbar, before Parrott opened the scoring in the 13th minute.

Some desperate Israel defending resulted in a loose ball reaching James Abankwah, who cut back to the Real Betis striker and Parrott fired the Republic in front with a low finish.

The Republic doubled their lead three minutes later when Moylan slipped Idah through, and the Swansea forward found the back of the net from the right of the penalty spot.

Moylan then made it three, collecting the ball in midfield before bursting forward unchallenged and firing into the far bottom corner from the edge of the six-yard box.

Republic keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was called into action a handful of times in the second half, but was never truly troubled.