In brief
In a tense build‑up, Ireland confirmed they will take the field against Israel in Hungary, planning to wear black armbands to honour the dead in Gaza. A players' vote produced a significant majority to play, despite a goalkeeper’s protest. The FAI CEO said the team will also make other gestures and donate match fees. Meanwhile, Israel’s football association praised the decision, noting politics should stay on the sidelines.
Republic of Ireland players intend to wear black armbands in recognition of all lives lost in the Gaza conflict for Sunday's Nations League match against Israel in Hungary, after confirming they will go ahead with the fixture.
Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell said one player has withdrawn from the squad in protest, but a vote among the players produced a significant majority in favour of playing.
Courell added that the players will wear black armbands for the Debrecen match and will make further gestures for both the opening fixture and the return game in Serbia.
Earlier in the day the news conference with the manager was postponed for 15 minutes, as players met to discuss the withdrawal of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
Bazunu posted on social media that he believed it was wrong to participate against Israel, stressing that his stance was against atrocities, not against Israelis or the Jewish community.
Hallgrimsson described the situation as a situation you can’t win and said the group would try to limit the damage. He confirmed that the national team would train and friend the situation to field the team.
The Irish government spokesperson said the decision lies with the FAI and UEFA, and that the FAI’s earlier motion to exclude Israel had not been passed.
From Israel’s side, Football Association head Shlomi Barzel welcomed the Irish decision, noting that football must remain separate from politics. He said the IFA will appeal yellow cards received in the Thursday’s 3-1 defeat to Austria.
