Ireland confirms Nations League game against Israel will go ahead
A significant majority backed the match after four hours of talks, while the squad plans black armbands and limited media duties.
- On Saturday, the Ireland team delayed their press conference and training session in Debrecen, Hungary, amid mounting pressure for players to boycott upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Israel.
- Last week, protestors in Dublin and the SIPTU trade union urged players to boycott, displaying posters asking them to "Go with your conscience!" and "Don't play with genocide."
- Midfielder Jason Knight said he does "not believe the game against Israel should go ahead," while manager Heimir Hallgrimsson previously described the team as playing "against genocide" rather than "with Israel."
- The Football Association of Ireland resisted boycott calls citing potential UEFA sanctions, though Irish taoiseach Micheal Martin called comments from the Israeli Football Association "unacceptable" and said they "should be withdrawn."
- With the first match scheduled for Sunday, reports suggest players may collectively withdraw if individuals opt out, casting uncertainty on the team's standing in the UEFA Nations League.
204 Articles
204 Articles
Ireland squad votes to play Israel as goalkeeper opts out on principle
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from Sunday's fixture against Israel in Debrecen, citing personal principle over the conflict in Gaza. According to The Guardian, a "significant majority" of his teammates voted to proceed with the match after lengthy internal deliberations. Head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson addressed earlier controversial remarks, while Israel's delegation welcomed Ireland's decision to play. The post Irela…
Because he is a "deeply believing man" and strives to "powerfully be a man with character and principles," Gavin Bazunu does not want to play against Israel.
'Israel stopped caring': Irish columnist contrasts teams ahead of contentious soccer match
Ireland's players discussed the possibility of staging some form of protest before the match, but Early questioned what such a gesture would mean if they were going to take the field regardless.
Furious Brian Kerry details squad turmoil over Israel vote
Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has made a series of extraordinary claims about the turmoil within the Irish camp, saying goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has been left ‘shunned’ after refusing to play against Israel. Speaking as a pundit on Virgin Media on Saturday night, Kerr revealed that he had been in contact with Bazunu, […]
Ireland's national team goalie Gavin Bazunu boycotts the football national games against Israel in the Austria group of the Nations League for political reasons. "I made a decision that I didn't like easily. I'm a deeply believer man and make every effort to be a person with character and principles; therefore, I think it's wrong to participate in the upcoming meetings with Israel, the 24-year-old told Instagram.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
