Ireland’s footballers did not shake hands with Israeli players during a UEFA Nations League match against Israel. Before facing Israel on Sunday night at the nearly empty Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, the Irish players declined to shake hands with any Israeli player. Ireland won the match 3-0.
Before the match, Ireland’s players wore black armbands. They stood with their heads lowered during Israel’s national anthem. Captain Dara O’Shea shook hands with the referee and assistant officials at the coin toss but did not shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon. The customary pennant exchange between the two teams also did not take place.
The Football Association of Ireland, or FAI, had informed UEFA in advance that its players would not shake hands with the Israeli team. UEFA agreed to the arrangement. The FAI said the players would wear black armbands in memory of all people killed in the conflict and that proceeds from the match would be donated to charity.
Off the pitch, the match had generated even larger controversy. Ireland’s players voted Saturday on whether to boycott the match. FAI Chief Executive David Courell said a “significant majority” of players voted in favor of playing, but the number voting for or against was not disclosed.
Earlier, Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu said he would not take part in the match. In a statement on social media, he said that because of his belief against the killing of innocent people, it would not be right for him to play against Israel. He withdrew from the squad for both matches.
After Bazunu’s decision, other players on the team discussed among themselves whether to play the match. Because of that, the team’s scheduled press conference and training were delayed. Ultimately, the decision to play was made through a vote.
Once the match began, Ireland’s dominance was clear. Goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan gave Ireland a 3-0 lead in the first half. Israel created several chances in the second half, but Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher stopped them. Ireland ultimately won 3-0.
The match was played in a nearly empty stadium. Israel’s football association was given a limited number of tickets, and a small number of Israeli supporters were present. No tickets were allocated for Ireland supporters.
Protests have been taking place in Ireland for weeks over playing against Israel. The country’s football association had asked UEFA to temporarily suspend the Israel Football Association from international football. UEFA did not accept the request.
Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson had also expressed discomfort over the match. Earlier, more than 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the match. As a result, the national team’s decision did not remain limited to football; it spread into the country’s broader public sphere.
Another match between the two teams is scheduled for Oct. 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia. Although it is Ireland’s “home” match, it is being held at a neutral venue for security reasons. Protests and boycott calls are therefore likely to continue around that match as well.
In this match, Ireland both won 3-0 on the pitch and took symbolic steps before kickoff by refusing handshakes, wearing black armbands and standing with heads lowered during Israel’s national anthem. The FAI, however, officially described those steps as a gesture of respect for all people killed in the conflict.
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