In a nearly empty stadium in Debrecen, Ireland’s 3-0 Nations League win over Israel carried a significance far beyond the scoreline. The match was played on Sunday amid diplomatic strain between the two countries and after prolonged discussion within the Irish camp over whether the fixture should be boycotted in protest at Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
The Ireland squad ultimately voted by majority to play the second-round Nations League match, but made its stance visible before and during the game in Hungary. The players wore black armbands, while the two captains did not exchange pennants or shake hands before kick-off. During the Israeli national anthem, every Irish player lowered his head.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the occasion had been particularly difficult for members of his squad, but felt they had used the match to bring wider attention to Gaza. “It was so hard for many of the players,” he said after the victory. “They showed their support for the protests against the war and helped put this issue before the world, not only in Ireland.”
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu took a different personal decision, choosing to boycott both of Ireland’s Nations League matches against Israel. The return fixture is scheduled for 4 October, although it will also be staged away from home territory. Ireland are due to host Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, after the Irish federation concluded that holding the match on the island would be too sensitive.
