Republic of Ireland to Wear Black Armbands Against Israel After Squad Vote
Republic of Ireland players will wear black armbands and donate match fees after voting to play Sunday's Nations League game against Israel, though goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew in protest.
The Republic of Ireland squad has decided to proceed with Sunday's Nations League fixture against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, with players intending to wear black armbands "in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict." The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed the decision after a squad vote produced a "significant majority" in favour of playing, according to chief executive David Courell.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad before the match, stating on social media that his decision was based on his personal belief that "the killing of innocent people is wrong" and was not in opposition to the Israel people or Jewish community. Courell said one player expressed discomfort with the fixture, prompting four hours of discussions among players, coaching staff and FAI executives. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson described the situation as "a situation you can't win," adding that nobody can understand the pressure on the players and that the group is trying to limit the damage.
Beyond the armbands, players will make further gestures for the return fixture against Israel next Sunday in Serbia, including not partaking in elements of the pre-match ceremony and donating both Israel match fees and fees from Thursday's game against Austria to charity. They have also requested removal from media obligations for the remainder of the window.
The fixtures have been controversial since the draw, with the "Stop The Game" campaign by Irish Sport for Palestine urging a boycott. Former Ireland manager Brian Kerr and ex-international James McClean backed calls to withdraw. The Irish government said the decision rests with the FAI and Uefa, noting the FAI had brought a motion to exclude Israel from international competitions that was not passed.
Israel Football Association head of communications Shlomi Barzel welcomed the decision, saying "football has won" and that the separation between football and politics must be maintained. The IFA also plans to appeal two yellow cards shown to Sayed Abu Farhi in Thursday's 3-1 defeat by Austria, arguing his goal celebration imitated snooker player Ken Doherty rather than firing a gun.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
