Ireland Players Lower Heads and Wear Black Armbands Against Israel

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was the only member of the squad to publicly withdraw from the games in protest. The team had previously delayed training sessions and press conferences as players debated a full boycott, a move urged by an open letter signed by more than 160 Irish athletes. The eventual agreement to play included utilizing neutral venues and omitting customary handshakes and other match formalities.