Irish national team refuses to show Israeli anthem and refuses to shake hands before Nations League game
Quick Look
At the Nations League meeting between Ireland and Israel in Serbia, Irish players failed to show respect during the Israeli anthem, refused to shake hands and did not wear armbands in memory of the victims of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, while the Israeli team wore black armbands.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Irish national team had already caused controversy in the first leg against Israel after 160 Irish athletes called for a boycott of the games. However, the majority of players chose to play while reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu complied with the boycott.
It was an escalation with an announcement. The Irish national football team played against Israel in the Nations League and, as in the first leg, caused a scandal. Before the game in Backa Topola, Serbia, the Irish international players, coaches and officials bowed their heads as the Israeli anthem was played.
Even after the anthem was played, the Irish attracted attention for their unsportsmanlike behavior. Captain Caoimhin Kelleher, representing Dara O'Shea, refused to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart Dor Peretz before kick-off; there wasn't even eye contact. The goalkeeper looked at the ground the entire time during the side selection. O’Shea also did this before the Irish won 3-0 last Sunday.
Both games made political headlines. 160 Irish athletes had written an open letter calling on their national team to boycott the two games. The Irish international players voted - and the majority voted to play. However, reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu decided to boycott the games against Israel. "I do my best to be a person of character and principles. Therefore, I think it is wrong to take part in the upcoming games against Israel," Bazunu said.
Israel remembers the victims of the Hamas terrorist attack
The Israeli players wore black armbands with the inscription “7.10” in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack three years ago. The Israeli association announced that the European Football Union Uefa had approved a corresponding application. On October 7, 2023, fighters from Hamas and other extremist organizations killed around 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 250 others as hostages to Gaza. The unprecedented attack sparked the Gaza War.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
UEFA will launch an investigation into the conduct of the Irish national team.
Likely · Within days
Gavin Bazunu will further publicly explain his decision to boycott the games against Israel in the coming days.
Possible · Within days
Open Questions
- Will UEFA take disciplinary action against the Irish players?
- How will future encounters between Ireland and Israel play out under these political tensions?
- Will Gavin Bazunu continue to publicly justify his decision to boycott?
