Ireland faced pressure to boycott the match from fans at home over Israel’s response in Gaza following the Oct.7, 2023, terror attacks committed by Hamas terrorists that left nearly 1,200 people dead.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.
DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!Players of Israel and Ireland stand for the anthems before a UEFA Nations League soccer match in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sept.27, 2026.
(AP Photo/Zsolt Czegledi)Ireland’s soccer federation said in June that its home game against Israel was going to be moved to a neutral field with no fans present.It followed the organization’s initial motion to UEFA to ban Israel from club and international play.Regardless, the efforts to ban Israel were proven futile and the match was played on Sunday in Debrecen.Irish players made a point to protest, however.
The Irish team wore black armbands and looked down at the grass with their hands behind their backs during the playing of the Israeli national anthem.Ireland’s captain, Dara O’Shea, approached midfield for the pre-match talk with his hands behind his back.He shook hands with the officials but made no effort to shake hands with Israeli players.At least one Irish player decided to skip the match and leave the team altogether.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu said he refused to play against Israel because of his "personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong."Dor Turgeman of Israel, right, challenges Jake O'Brien of Ireland during a UEFA Nations League match between Ireland and Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, Sept.27, 2026.
(AP Photo/Zsolt Czegledi)CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE"It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region," he added.It’s unclear if Bazunu had any strong reaction to the terror attack that occurred in Israel nearly three years ago.Ireland has been one of Israel’s most outspoken c...