Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in the first match, where players wore black armbands, bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, and refused to shake hands with opponents. Midfielder Jack Moylan scored one of the goals and kissed the ground in support of victims in Gaza. These actions followed calls for a full boycott from over 160 Irish athletes and a dispute that delayed team training; while the squad voted to proceed, reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both fixtures in protest.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Ireland Defeats Israel 3-0 in First of Two Gaza Protest Games
Sports21 days ago
The Republic of Ireland's soccer coach has not yet determined how the squad will conduct itself during the next match of their UEFA Nations League series against Israel. The team is deciding whether to repeat the silent protests used in the opening fixture on Sunday, which took place at neutral venues in Hungary. The decision comes as the team faces internal and external pressure to boycott the games in response to the war in Gaza.
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