Israeli athletes respond to Irish team protests: 'Our country is ten times better'

== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man

Timeline: Sunday that began outside the four lines

The match between Ireland and Israel took place on Sunday, for the second division of the League of Nations within the calendar 2026/27. Even before the ball rolled, the confrontation gained another meaning: Irish players protested against Israel during the performance of the anthem, kept their heads down and did not greet opponents at the beginning of the game.

The Irish national team played this Nations League game against their will. During the match, athletes from Ireland made several actions in support of victims of the War in Gaza. In the end, the team defeated Israel 3 - 0.

Before the game: Bazunu's refusal, anthem and handshake denied

Tensions had been rising since Saturday, with midfielder Jason Knight admitting discomfort at the showdown.

"It's difficult. I consider that the game should not go ahead, but it will happen. We will have a larger conversation about this subject and all that it means to understand our thinking as a group. It is certainly an important topic in Ireland". commented Jason Knight

On Sunday, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who had been called up for this FIFA date, announced that he would not participate in the matches against Israel. He posted a note on social media stating his "personal conviction that killing innocent people is wrong".

At the entrance to the pitch, protests were visible: Ireland captain Dara O'Shea refused to shake Salomon's hand. The gesture was part of a sequence of actions by Irish players against Israel before the match.

After the whistle: criticism of Israel and new refusal to greet

The reaction of the Israeli athletes came shortly after the game. Captain Manor Solomon criticized the Irish's behaviour and gave harsh statements while commenting on the episode.

If I say what I think, I will probably be banned from some games. Of course they hate us and we don't like them. What did they do during the anthem? I am not interested, our country is 10 times better than theirs. Stronger, a country with amazing people, proud to wear the uniform and be of Israel. Proud of our country and our soldiers declared Manor Solomon.

goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Israel said that the refusal to greet was not just at the start of the match, but also after the final whistle.

There are people who have come to ask and they understand what is happening. But there are others who don't want to know, do not care and find it very easy to give their opinion. There is no reason to get upset; they are ignorant people said Peretz.

Next chapter: closed gates in Backa Topola and a climate of revenge

The 3-0 result did not end the POL tie, and Solomon has already spoken of a rematch for next Sunday's match which will be played behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia.

The next game against them is going to be completely different.

For the fans, what was planned as a Fifa date commitment in the Nations League turned into an POL ethical case within football. Ireland won on home soil but the game is still remembered for the protest before the opening whistle, refusal to comply and Bazunu's absence.

Where's the show at now?

The current stage is marked by three elements: Ireland's 3-0, the public criticism of Israel players and confirmation of the next meeting behind closed doors at Backa Topola.