# Ireland player opposes Israel match

> Ireland's Jason Knight says Nations League game against Israel shouldn't happen
- Title: Ireland player opposes Israel match · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: Ireland's Jason Knight says Nations League game against Israel shouldn't happen Ireland player Jason Knight publicly opposes playing Israel in Nations League
- Keywords: jason knight, ireland, israel, nations league, debrecen, hongary, gaza war, hamas, israeli military, ireland football, republic of ireland, nfl
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cm750g0zx9weo
- Published: 2026-09-25T10:59:44.467+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jason knight, ireland, israel, nations league, debrecen, hongary, gaza war, hamas, israeli military, ireland football, republic of ireland, nfl
## Jason Knight's stance
Jason Knight became first Republic of Ireland player to publicly oppose playing Israel in Nations League

> Look, it's difficult, the manager, and Dara, and Nathan spoke well about it, I don't think the game should be going ahead but it is going ahead
## Game details
Ireland faces Israel in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday at 19:45 BST with no Irish fans
## Background
Ireland has called for withdrawal from games due to Gaza war with 'Stop The Game' campaign
## Player discussion
Players will meet Friday to discuss approach to Israel game with no Irish fans
## Knight's focus
Knight says he'll focus on football despite concerns about playing Israel
## Key takeaway

Ireland player Jason Knight publicly opposes playing Israel in Nations League