Die Welt1 hour agoSports1 min readGermanyView original

Ireland refuses to shake hands with Israel in Nations League

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Ireland's national football team refused to shake hands before the Nations League game against Israel, looked down during the Israeli anthem and wore black mourning ribbons.
The association had previously announced that it would boycott parts of the ceremony.
Substitute goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu also declared his withdrawal on principle.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The Irish Football Association had previously announced that players would boycott parts of the pre-match ceremony due to Israel's role in the Gaza war.

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Political statements against Israel were made in the Nations League. Ireland captain Dara O'Shea refused to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart Manor Solomon before the game. There wasn't even eye contact. In addition, the Irish starting eleven looked down as one during the Israeli anthem. A scandal on the big football stage.

Irish association boss David Courell had already said in advance of his players because of Israel's role in the Gaza war that there would be "parts of the pre-game ceremony that they will not take part in."

Open letter from 160 Irish athletes

And that's how it happened: Even after the anthems, both teams didn't pass each other or high-five each other. In addition, all Irish people wore a black mourning ribbon on their upper arm. To commemorate, according to Courell, “all those who lost their lives in this conflict.”

Then backup goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu pulled himself out and declared he wouldn't take part. He said: "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."

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

FIFA will investigate Irish behavior and consider possible sanctions.
Likely · Within weeks
More Irish players could join Gavin Bazunu in boycotting future games against Israel.
Possible · Within months