From BBC Sport · · 1m 20s
Ireland to wear black armbands for Israel game
Ireland players wear black armbands for Gaza conflict in Nations League match
In brief
Ireland players wear black armbands for Gaza conflict in Nations League match Ireland squad will play Israel despite player withdrawal protest over Gaza conflict Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Black armbands confirmed
Republic of Ireland players will wear black armbands Sunday's Nations League match against Israel in Hungary to honor Gaza conflict victims
“I am a man of strong faith and try my best to be a person of character and principle, therefore I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel”
One player withdraws
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from Republic of Ireland squad in protest over Gaza conflict
“My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong”
Players vote to play
Republic of Ireland players voted to play Israel despite concerns over Gaza conflict
“This morning, a player expressed their discomfort at the fixture and indicated their intent to withdraw”
Game delayed
Pre-match news conference postponed due to player withdrawal concerns
“The balance [to play] changed with this [withdrawal] and obviously it was an ongoing discussion but we came to a conclusion and the game is going ahead”
Israel FA responds
Israel Football Association confirms they will appeal red cards from Austria match
“The Irish football association and the national team players did the right thing by recognizing this”
Hallgrimsson comments
Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says it's a tough situation with no easy solution
“It's a situation you can't win”
FAI stance
Football Association of Ireland insists they will play Israel despite protests
“The FAI had decided to play the fixtures against Israel in accordance with their obligations as members of Uefa”
Gaza conflict context
Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages
“In response, Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza, during which more than 73,000 people have been killed”
Protest campaign
Irish Sport for Palestine campaign calls for Ireland to boycott Israel matches
“One of their requests is to remove their media obligations for the remainder of this window”
Black armbands explained
Players wear black armbands to recognize all lives lost in Gaza conflict
“They also have the intention to wear black armbands in recognition of all lives lost in the Gaza conflict”
The bottom line
Ireland squad will play Israel despite player withdrawal protest over Gaza conflict
