# Ireland skips handshakes with Israel in Nations League

> Ireland players skip handshakes with Israel ahead of Nations League match.
- Title: Ireland skips handshakes with Israel in Nations League
- Summary: Ireland players skip handshakes with Israel ahead of Nations League match. Ireland players refused handshakes and anthem bows before Israel match to protest…
- Keywords: ireland, israel, nations league, uefa, gaza war, football, faireland, black armband, sports, skips, handshakes, Nations
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c6r7dy2yyx2xo
- Published: 2026-09-27T18:58:35.454+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ireland, israel, nations league, uefa, gaza war, football, faireland, black armband, sports
## Ireland players skip handshakes
Ireland players refused handshakes with Israel before match.
## Bowed heads for Israel anthem
Ireland players bowed heads during Israel's national anthem.
## No pennant exchange
Ireland captain and Israel skipper did not exchange pennants.
## Players vote to play
Ireland players voted to play despite protests.
## Goalkeeper withdraws
Goalkeeper Bazunu withdrew from squad for next match.
## Black armbands worn
Ireland players wore black armbands for Gaza conflict.
## Moylan kisses armband
Moylan removed armband after scoring and kissed it.
## Protest calls intensify
Over 160 Irish athletes signed protest letter against match.
## Key takeaway

Ireland players refused handshakes and anthem bows before Israel match to protest Gaza war, winning 3-0.