Irish opposition calls for 'Do not play against Israel'

Making a statement before the Israel-Ireland match to be played today in the UEFA Nations B League Group 3, representatives of the Irish opposition parties argued that their national teams should not play in the match as "a step against genocide".

Labor Party MP Ciaran Ahern pointed out goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu's refusal to play in the match at the press conference and said, "Those who listen to (Coach) Heimir Hallgrimsson will understand that more players will voice their opinions."

Ahern stated that the fine for not playing the match should be covered by the government and said, "The fans know what the consequences of this will be in the sporting sense and they are ready for them. However, taking a stance against genocide is more important than all."

Ahern, who supported Bazunu's decision not to play in the match, said: "I guess there are other players in the squad who would welcome a state protection that would support the decision to stop the match."

Social Democrat MP Daniel Ennis emphasized that the decision to play the match caused disappointment and said, "The government, the federation and UEFA left our players alone with the criticism of the society by taking the decision to play the match."

Ennis underlined that the decision not to play the match should not be left to the players and said, "The possibility of our national team playing against Israel in an environment where the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza and paving the way for ethnic cleansing in the West Bank is causing a reaction in the Irish public."

Noting that the fault lies with the government and the federation, Ennis said, "We can never normalize Israel's war crimes by allowing it to participate in international sports events. Despite the negative developments today, our solidarity with the Palestinian people is as strong as ever."

Irish nationalist Sinn Fein spokesperson Joanna Byrne noted that those who decided to play the match should be ashamed and said, "The Irish Football Federation betrayed Irish football and, more importantly, the Palestinians. I congratulate a single player who refused to take part in the squad and did not want to take the field against genocidal Israel."

Byrne added that he expects the public's support for Bazunu to encourage other football players.

Bazunu shared his opinion that it was wrong to play in the matches against Israel and announced that he would not be in the national match squad.

Bazunu said that he made this decision because of his belief that killing innocent people is wrong, and said, "The opportunity to take a stand for something bigger in life comes very rarely, and I firmly believe that this is one of them."