The Republic of Ireland national football team defeated Israel 3-0 in a UEFA Nations League match in Hungary on Sunday. However, the game received international attention mainly because of actions and protests by Irish players regarding the war in Gaza.
Before and during the match, Irish players took several public steps to express support for Palestinians. The team wore black armbands to recognize lives lost in the conflict, bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem, and refused to shake hands with Israeli players. Additionally, Ireland's captain, Dara O'Shea, pledged to donate all of his match earnings to humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The match took place after lengthy discussions and a vote among the Irish players. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) informed Israel in advance that Irish players would not shake hands, and European football body UEFA approved the arrangement. However, Ireland's first-choice goalkeeper, Gavin Bazunu, chose not to play, writing on social media that participating in the fixtures would be wrong.
The game proceeded despite months of campaigning by Irish Sport for Palestine and an open letter signed by more than 160 athletes urging a boycott. Campaigners argue that Israel breaches sports regulations by running football teams on occupied Palestinian land, maintaining strong public debate ahead of the teams' second match on October 4.