Republic of Ireland and Israel players did not shake hands before Ireland’s 3-0 Uefa Nations League win in Hungary on Sunday, and the Irish squad bowed their heads during Israel’s anthem. There was no pennant exchange between captains Dara O’Shea and Manor Solomon.
Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said the players had “raised awareness worldwide” through their actions. Players voted to play the game at a meeting in Debrecen on Saturday, with the FAI saying the vote passed by a “significant majority.”
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad, saying it “would be wrong to participate.” He will return for Thursday’s game against Austria but miss the 4 October return fixture in Backa Topola.
The fixtures have faced boycott calls since February’s draw, including an open letter from more than 160 Irish athletes. Ireland wore black armbands in recognition of lives lost in Gaza.
