Ireland players lowered their heads during the Israeli national anthem on Sunday, before a contentious Nations League match played in Debrecen, Hungary.
The Irish team wore black armbands as the fixture drew bitter opposition in Ireland over Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
The players looked down at the turf and held their hands behind their backs during the pre-match anthem. Captain Dara O’Shea kept his hands clasped behind his back as he approached the center of the field for the pre-match talk. He shook hands with the referee and his assistants but made no attempt to shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon. Irish national broadcaster RTE opted for reduced coverage of the match.
Reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu decided on Saturday to boycott both of Ireland’s games against Israel because of what he described as his “personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.”
A small group of Israeli fans attended the otherwise almost-empty stadium. An even smaller group of around 10 people without colors celebrated when Troy Parrott broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. No Irish fans were supposed to attend, while some supporters who had obtained tickets through the Israeli soccer federation told RTE the tickets were canceled on Saturday night.
Adam Idah made it 2-0 three minutes after Parrott’s opener, and Jack Moylan scored the third goal in the 25th minute. Ireland led 3-0 at halftime, but goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher had to make key saves to deny Israel after the break. Tempers frayed around the hour mark after a clash between Idah and Raz Shlomo. German referee Harm Osmers booked both players.
Israel forward Sayed Abu Farchi missed the game through suspension after his sending off for a goal celebration in Thursday’s 3-1 loss to Austria.
Ireland and Israel meet again on Oct. 4 in Ireland’s “home” game in Backa Topola, Serbia.
