# Ireland manager denies lies about Bazunu exit

> Ireland manager calls coverage of goalkeeper's withdrawal from Israel game 'lies'.
- Title: Ireland manager denies lies about Bazunu exit · the Guardian
- Summary: Ireland manager calls coverage of goalkeeper's withdrawal from Israel game 'lies'. Ireland manager says 'a lot of lies' were told about goalkeeper Gavin…
- Keywords: ireland, gavin bazunu, nations league, israel, football, heimir hallgrímsson, finn azaz, football association of ireland, sports, manager, denies, lies
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/30/republic-of-ireland-manager-hits-out-over-coverage-of-bazunu-exit-from-israel-game
- Author: Reuters
- Published: 2026-09-30T14:55:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ireland, gavin bazunu, nations league, israel, football, heimir hallgrímsson, finn azaz, football association of ireland, sports
## Protesters demand Ireland cancel matches
Protesters march in Dublin demanding cancellation of Ireland's Nations League matches against Israel.
## Manager calls coverage 'lies'
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson claims 'a lot of lies' were told about goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu's withdrawal from the Nations League game against Israel.

> a lot of lies
## Bazunu withdraws from Israel game
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu pulled out of Nations League games with Israel after Ireland protested Israel's war in Gaza.
## Manager confident Sunday match proceeds
Hallgrímsson says Sunday's rematch against Israel will go ahead despite protests and media reports of team fractures.
## Finn Azaz remains on bench
Ireland midfielder Finn Azaz with Israeli heritage stayed on bench for win against Israel but will not play in Sunday's match.
## Next game sparks more protests
Ireland's Thursday game against Austria expected to bring further protests over decision to play Israel.
## Key takeaway

Ireland manager says 'a lot of lies' were told about goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrawing from Nations League match against Israel, but he will play in Sunday's rematch.