Ireland squad vote to play Israel tie despite Gaza unease
Prominent Irish figures have protested against the ties after Ireland were drawn in the same Nations League group as Israel.
Ireland's football team has decided to play their Nations League tie against Israel despite concerns over security and unease surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza. The decision was made after the team voted in favor of continuing the fixture, with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu being the only player to pull out due to personal beliefs. The match, originally scheduled for Dublin's Aviva Stadium, has been relocated to Backa Topola, Serbia.
Ireland's head David Courell explained that the decision was based on a significant majority of the squad's sentiment and that the association would still fulfill the fixtures as planned. The Israeli Football Association praised the Irish decision, stating that football must remain separate from politics. Bazunu's choice led to the cancellation of a press conference and other media duties for the players.
Ireland will wear black armbands during the Serbia match to honor those affected by the conflict, and profits from their upcoming game against Austria will be donated to charity.
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- ‘You can’t win’: Ireland’s football team to play Israel despite player protest politico.eu
- Ireland squad vote to play Israel tie despite Gaza unease freemalaysiatoday.com
- Republic of Ireland to wear black armbands for Israel game bbc.co.uk
- Ireland decide to play Israel in Nations League after squad vote aljazeera.com
- Ireland players vote to go ahead with games against Israel, will wear black armbands hindustantimes.com
- Israel say football and politics must stay separate, after Ireland vote to fulfil fixture channelnewsasia.com
