# Ireland to wear black armbands for Israel game

> Ireland players wear black armbands for Gaza conflict in Nations League match
- Title: Ireland to wear black armbands for Israel game · BBC Sport
- Summary: Ireland players wear black armbands for Gaza conflict in Nations League match Ireland squad will play Israel despite player withdrawal protest over Gaza…
- Keywords: ireland, israel, gaza, nations league, faire, football, black armbands, gaza conflict, players protest, nations league game, sports, wear
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckddvv5dn4eyo
- Published: 2026-09-26T13:38:29.407+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ireland, israel, gaza, nations league, faire, football, black armbands, gaza conflict, players protest, nations league game, sports
## 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
## Key takeaway

Ireland squad will play Israel despite player withdrawal protest over Gaza conflict