{
  "id": 10968402,
  "title": "Ireland will play return match against Israel in Nations League",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/ireland-will-play-return-match-against-israel-in-nations-league",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T14:47:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2026/09/30/ireland-will-play-return-match-against-israel-in-nations-league/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson announced that his team will play a UEFA Nations League return match against Israel on Sunday. The first game of the series, held in Hungary, was won by Ireland with three goals scored by Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, and Jack Moylan within the first half-hour. However, tensions ran high before, during, and after the match due to disagreements between the two nations.\n\nThe match in Debrecen was almost called off after Ireland considered boycotting the game in response to Israeli actions in Gaza. Following a lengthy meeting on Saturday, the players decided to proceed with the match. Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu declined to participate, citing his belief that it \"would be wrong to participate.\" The team also refused to shake hands with the opposition and wore black armbands in support of Palestine.\n\nHallgrimsson stated that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had moved the match to Serbia behind closed doors. He emphasized that the team is committed to fulfilling both matches, as initially planned. Despite reports of insults directed towards Bazunu, Hallgrimsson dismissed them as \"lies,\" praising the goalkeeper's character and the players' unwavering support for him.\n\nThursday's match against Austria in Dublin is expected to be marked by further protests. The FAI's main focus remains on the football, according to Hallgrimsson, who urged others to focus on security concerns. He acknowledged Finn Azaz, Ireland's midfielder with Israeli heritage on his mother's side, for demonstrating incredible emotional control during the game.\n\nHallgrimsson commended Azaz's ability to conduct himself with grace and understanding amidst the difficult circumstances. He emphasized the importance of walking the extra mile to be a part of a national team, highlighting the strong bond and respect within the team.",
  "summary": "Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says that his team will play the Uefa Nations League return fixture against Israel on Sunday. Sunday's first match, held in Hungary, was won comfortably by the Irish although before, during and after the game there were major issues between the two teams. Three goals inside the first half-an-hour from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan earned Ireland three…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Ireland will play return match against Israel in Nations League",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/ireland-will-play-return-match-against-israel-in-nations-league-10970369",
        "published": "2026-09-30T14:47:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}