The Republic of Ireland squad wore black armbands in solidarity with Palestinians, bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, and refused pre-match handshakes.
Published On 27 Sep 2026
The Republic of Ireland secured a 3-0 victory in the first of two football matches against Israel in the UEFA Nations League, a game that drew significant international attention due to calls for a boycott.
During the match in Hungary on Sunday, Irish players wore black armbands in support of Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The squad also bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem and declined to shake hands with the opposing team. Additionally, Ireland’s captain, Dara O’Shea, pledged to donate all of his match earnings to humanitarian aid for Gaza.
On Saturday, Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell confirmed that the players would wear black armbands “in recognition of all lives lost in the conflict,” following hours of internal discussions and a team vote. The FAI informed Israel and UEFA in advance of the team’s decision to forgo handshakes, an arrangement that UEFA accepted.
Following the FAI’s confirmation of participation, Republic of Ireland’s first-choice goalkeeper, Gavin Bazunu, became the only player to publicly opt out of the fixture. In a statement posted on social media, Bazunu expressed that he felt “it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel,” subsequently withdrawing from both legs of the tie, including the upcoming match scheduled for October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia.
The match on Sunday proceeded despite months-long pressure on the FAI to boycott the games due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since May, leading Irish footballers have joined a campaign run by Irish Sport for Palestine, urging Ireland to boycott the matches against Israel. More than 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter urging the FAI to reconsider its decision to proceed with the games.
The campaign argues that Israel has breached UEFA and FIFA statutes by allowing teams to play on occupied Palestinian land, calling for Israel’s suspension or expulsion from both football governing bodies.
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