At the neutral Nagyerdei stadium in Debrecen, the Ireland national team took to the field wearing black armbands, commemorating victims of the Israel-Palestine conflict in the Gaza Strip. As the Israeli national anthem played, all Ireland players bowed their heads, eyes fixed on the grass, with their hands clasped behind their backs. Members of the coaching staff and leaders of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) performed similar actions.

Ireland players stood with their hands behind their backs, bowing their heads as the Israeli national anthem was played before the nations league B3 match on 27/9 at Nagyerdei stadium, Debrecen, Hungary. Photo: Reuters

During the customary pre-match greetings, the two teams skipped the traditional handshake and exchange of commemorative flags. Ireland captain Dara O'Shea shook hands with the referee team but kept his hands behind his back while standing next to Israel captain Manor Solomon. Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson also did not shake hands with his counterpart Ran Ben Simon. The FAI had previously informed Israel of their intention not to shake hands, and UEFA approved this approach.

These actions stemmed from a wave of anti-Israel sentiment in Ireland, related to Israel's military campaign in Gaza. For months, many Irish organizations and sports figures had called for a boycott of the two Nations League matches against Israel. Over 160 athletes signed an open letter urging the FAI to reconsider its decision to play, while also pressuring UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel's membership.

The FAI itself had previously lobbied UEFA to review Israel's eligibility for competitions. However, Ireland ultimately chose to adhere to the scheduled fixtures, rather than unilaterally withdrawing and risking sanctions.

Before the match, coach Hallgrimsson affirmed that Ireland's participation did not signify support for events in Gaza. The Icelandic coach's statements about the conflict also drew sharp criticism from the Israeli Football Association, escalating tensions between the two sides.

The controversy reached a peak one day before the match when goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu announced his withdrawal from the two matches against Israel for ethical reasons. He stated that Israel's killing of innocent people was wrong and he did not want to participate in these games.

Bazunu's decision prompted the Ireland team to cancel a training session for a meeting to discuss whether to continue playing. After hours of discussion, the players and coaching staff voted, with the majority agreeing to play, though the FAI did not disclose the specific percentage.

Striker Troy Parrott (center) makes a heart gesture celebrating the opening goal in the 3-0 victory over Israel on 27/9. Photo: Reuters

Captain O'Shea also pledged to donate all his match earnings to support the people of Gaza. According to FAI Chief Executive David Courell, the black armbands served to commemorate those who died in the conflict.

Yesterday's match took place at a neutral venue in Hungary, as Israel was unable to host home matches as usual. The stands were almost empty, with only a small group of fans from both teams present. Ireland quickly decided the match with three goals in the first 25 minutes. Troy Parrott opened the scoring in the 13th minute, Adam Idah doubled the lead in the 16th minute, before Jack Moylan sealed the 3-0 victory in the 25th minute. After scoring, Moylan removed his black armband, raised it, and kissed it.

The two teams will meet again on 4/10 at a neutral venue in Serbia.

Nhat Tao