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Ireland players wear black armbands and refrain from handshakes in soccer game against Israel

Ireland’s players used black armbands and handshake refusals to protest the Gaza war as three first-half goals sealed a 3-0 win, broadcaster figures showed.

  • On Sunday, the Republic of Ireland played Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, for a UEFA Nations League match despite widespread public calls for a boycott over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
  • The match faced significant controversy since February, as the 'Stop The Game' campaign urged a boycott; however, the Irish squad voted to fulfill the fixture during a Saturday meeting at their hotel.
  • Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew, stating it 'would be wrong to participate,' while the team wore black armbands and RTÉ broadcast a stripped-back feed with no commentary to fulfill UEFA obligations.
  • Players from both sides did not exchange handshakes or pennants before kick-off; Ireland established a 3-0 lead midway through the first half with goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, and Jack Moylan.
  • The FAI confirmed the team will make a charitable donation from funds raised during the Austria home game next week, and Ireland is scheduled to play a return fixture in Serbia on October 4.
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Lean Right

During the match, the Irish wore black armbands "in recognition of all victims of the Gaza conflict." Manor Salomon also did not receive a handshake from his Irish fellow captain.

·Hilversum, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
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Center

The West Ham attacker spoke about what happened in the party, where the Irish wore black bracelets, denied greetings to their rivals, and bowed their heads during the anthem.

·Madrid, Spain
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Lean Left

The Irish looked at the ground during the Israeli anthem and then didn't shake hands. Team captain Solomon was furious.

·Hungary
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Center

They Openly Hate Us!

Israel captain Manor Solomon lashes out at Ireland players after 0-3 defeat, says Irish hate them

·Copenhagen, Denmark
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Jewish Telegraphic AgencyJewish Telegraphic Agency
+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Lean Left

Irish national soccer team won’t shake hands with Israel after win

More than 160 Irish athletes and sports figures signed an open letter calling on the national team to pull out of the match.

·New York, United States
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Lean Right

Selections again measure forces on Sunday in Group 3

·Lisboa, Portugal
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BFM TV broke the news in France on Friday, September 25, 2026.
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