Ireland refuse handshake with Israel and don armbands in Nations League tie
Summary
Ireland and Israel played a UEFA Nations League football match that ended in a 1-1 draw. Before the game, Irish players wore black armbands to honor Palestinians killed in Gaza and did not shake hands with the Israeli team’s captain, continuing protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza.Key Facts
- The match took place on neutral ground with no fans allowed due to security and protest concerns.
- Irish players wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem.
- Ireland’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, acting as captain, refused to shake hands with Israel’s captain.
- The game ended in a 1-1 tie; Ireland scored first on a penalty, and Israel equalized early in the second half.
- The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) moved the match from Dublin to a neutral venue after calls for a boycott.
- Over 160 Irish sportspeople signed a letter urging the FAI to cancel the games in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
- Only one Irish player, Gavin Bazunu, chose not to play due to personal opposition to violence against civilians.
- Protests and displays in Ireland demanded the team boycott the matches and showed support for Palestinians.
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