League of Nations: Israeli players will wear black armbands against Ireland

Israeli football players will play against Ireland on Sunday with a black armband to commemorate the October 7 massacres, a week after the first leg where the Irish wore one to protest against the war in Gaza.

“UEFA has approved the Israeli Football Association's request for the national team to wear a black armband during tonight's match in memory of those who were murdered on October 7,” the Israeli federation said in a statement.

This gesture comes three days before the anniversary of the attacks committed by Hamas on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023. These killings, the worst in the country's history, left 1,221 dead, according to official data.

But this decision is also a way of continuing the battle of symbols between the Israeli and Irish football teams, who face each other on Sunday evening in Serbia in the Nations League.

Ireland has been a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause and the double confrontation this fall between its selection and Israel has already sparked several controversies.

After threats of a boycott of the first leg by Irish players to protest against the war waged by Israel in Gaza, the first meeting was finally held as planned last Sunday in Hungary, Israel being unable to host on its soil due to the security situation.

During this match, won by Ireland (3-0), the Irish players wore a black armband and they ostensibly lowered their heads during the Israeli anthem. Before kick-off, there was no exchange of pennants or handshakes between captains.

On Saturday, a press conference by Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson was cut short after new extra-sporting tensions between Israeli journalists and the coach's staff.

The war waged by Israel in Gaza, launched in response to October 7, has left more than 74,000 dead, according to the Ministry of Health of this territory controlled by Hamas, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.