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Ireland beats Israel 3-0 as Gaza protests shape Nations League clash

Ireland's forward #07 Troy Parrott (C) celebrates his 0-1 during the UEFA Nations League Group B3 between Israel and Republic of Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27, 2026. (AFP Photo)
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Ireland's forward #07 Troy Parrott (C) celebrates his 0-1 during the UEFA Nations League Group B3 between Israel and Republic of Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27, 2026. (AFP Photo)
September 28, 2026 09:58 AM GMT+03:00

Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday as Irish players staged a series of protests linked to the war in Gaza, including wearing black armbands, bowing their heads during the Israeli national anthem and declining the traditional pre-match handshakes.

The match, played at Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, had drawn particular attention after Irish players faced calls at home to boycott the fixture.

Members of the Republic of Ireland team stand with their heads bowed at the bench as the Israeli national anthem is played before the UEFA Nations League Group B3 between Israel and Republic of Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27, 2026. (AFP PHoto)
Members of the Republic of Ireland team stand with their heads bowed at the bench as the Israeli national anthem is played before the UEFA Nations League Group B3 between Israel and Republic of Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27, 2026. (AFP PHoto)

Irish players carry Gaza protest into pre-match ceremony

As the teams came out before kickoff, a small group of Israeli supporters booed and jeered the Irish side, while Ireland's players wore black armbands in recognition of lives lost in Gaza.

When Israel's national anthem was played, the Irish players bowed their heads. The usual handshake ceremony was then left out, with the teams not lining up to greet one another and the captains neither exchanging pennants nor shaking hands.

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Once the game got underway, Ireland quickly pulled clear and built up a 3-0 lead inside the opening 25 minutes.

Jack Moylan, who scored Ireland's third goal, took off his black armband during his celebration, kissed it and raised it into the air. The teams also did not exchange shirts after the final whistle.

Ireland's midfielder #05 Jake O'Brien and Israel's defender #19 Dor Turgeman vie for the ball during the UEFA Nations League Group B3 between Israel and Republic of Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Ireland's midfielder #05 Jake O'Brien and Israel's defender #19 Dor Turgeman vie for the ball during the UEFA Nations League Group B3 between Israel and Republic of Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Boycott debate hangs over Ireland's decision to play

The fixture had remained under scrutiny in the days leading up to kickoff, with the Stop The Game campaign, organized by Irish Sport for Palestine, calling on Ireland to pull out.

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson had said some members of the squad felt "really uncomfortable" about facing Israel and had described the situation as playing "against genocide."

Israel fans cheer prior to the UEFA Nations League Group B3 between Israel and Republic of Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Israel fans cheer prior to the UEFA Nations League Group B3 between Israel and Republic of Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27, 2026. (AFP Photo)

He later stressed ahead of the match that Ireland's participation should not be interpreted as support for events in Gaza, saying the team was taking part because competition rules required it.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the Israel fixtures, explaining his decision by saying: "My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong."

The two sides are due to meet again on Oct. 4. Although officially an Ireland home fixture, the match has been moved from Dublin to Backa Topola, Serbia, and will be played behind closed doors.

September 28, 2026 09:58 AM GMT+03:00
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