Ireland Avoids Match Rituals to Show Solidarity with Palestine
Republic of Ireland players made a series of gestures in support of Palestinians before and during their Nations League clash with Israel in Hungary.
The Republic of Ireland players showed solidarity and support for Palestinian liberation during their encounter against Israel in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday night, played in Hungary on neutral ground.
Some of the regular match rituals, including the traditional pre-match handshake between players of the two nations, were avoided by Ireland.
Irish captain Dara O’Shea, who did not exchange flags with Israel’s captain, vowed to donate his proceeds from the tournament to Gaza for humanitarian aid. Ireland’s players also wore black armbands as a symbol of solidarity with Palestine and were seen bowing their heads rather than standing upright while Israel’s national anthem was being played.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad, saying that, because of his personal principles, he felt it would be wrong for him to participate in the fixtures against Israel. He specifically said his position was not against Israeli people or the Jewish community, but against what he described as atrocities in the region.
In 2024, the Ireland women’s basketball team chose not to shake hands with Israel’s players or stand on court for the anthems before a EuroBasket qualifier in Riga. However, the teams did exchange handshakes when they met again last year.
Why does the Republic of Ireland now show so much concern for Gaza, which is at war with Israel?
Before the game, there had been months of controversy in Ireland over whether the team should even play Israel.
Ireland has a long history of identifying with anti-colonial and national liberation movements, and there is strong public sympathy for the Palestinians. More than 160 Irish sportspeople had signed an open letter asking the national team to boycott the Israel fixtures.
The Football Association of Ireland had also pushed UEFA to take action against Israel, although it ultimately decided that Ireland would fulfil the fixtures.
Ireland went on to win the game 3-0 at full time.
The War escalated on October 7, 2023, when the armed Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Israel responded with a major military offensive in Gaza. More than 73,000 people have since been killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.
Israel has rejected accusations that it has committed genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity. The country maintains that its military operations in Gaza are carried out in self-defence and in accordance with international law.
