The protest follows a 3-0 win for Ireland in the first leg, where players used identical gestures to protest the war in Gaza and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad. Tensions peaked when Israeli journalists heckled head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson at a press conference, leading to the abrupt end of the event. During that clash, reporters accused the Irish team of racism and links to a Flydubai attack, which the Football Association of Ireland called a lie.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Ireland Repeats Gaza Protests in Second Nations League Match Against Israel
Sports16 days ago
Republic of Ireland players bowed their heads and wore black armbands during the Israeli national anthem before Sunday's fixture in Backa Topola, Serbia. Team captain Caoimhín Kelleher declined to shake hands with Israel's captain Dor Peretz during the pre-match formalities. The match was relocated from Dublin to a neutral venue in Serbia following heightened security concerns and political tension, while Israeli players wore their own armbands marked "7/10" to remember the October 7 attacks.
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