Black armbands and bowed heads during the Israeli anthem: Ireland’s protest

After controversy over a possible boycott, there were no handshakes between the two teams’ captains or between the coaches. The boycott collapsed. Israel vs. Ireland went ahead.

After several days of tension and discussions in the locker room, with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu proposing not to play, the Irish national team players decided to take the field for the Nations League match.

The match was played in Debrecen, Hungary, but the players, the coach and the fans became protagonists of various episodes of protest. On the field there were no handshakes with Israel’s coach, captain or players. The Irish also took the field wearing black armbands, in honor of the victims of the conflict in Gaza.

During Israel’s anthem, all the Irish players bowed their heads, looking at the ground. In the stadium stands, British fans unfurled various banners, such as “Go Bazunu, voice of justice,” “FAI failure, supporter of genocide,” “Stop the game.” Ireland won 3-0 against Israel.