Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 on Sunday in a UEFA Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, after the Irish squad voted to play despite calls in Ireland for a boycott over the war in Gaza.
Irish players wore black armbands, bowed their heads during Israel’s national anthem and did not take part in the customary pre-match handshake, according to several reports. The Football Association of Ireland said the armbands were worn “in recognition of all lives lost” in the Gaza conflict. FAI chief executive David Courell said one player withdrew from the squad in protest, while a significant majority voted to proceed with the fixture.
The match was played in Hungary as Israel’s designated home game. Courell said the teams are due to meet again next Sunday in Serbia.