# Irish fans demand Israel match boycott

> Ireland soccer team faces pressure to cancel matches with Israel amid Gaza violence
- Title: Irish fans demand Israel match boycott · Mother Jones
- Summary: Ireland soccer team faces pressure to cancel matches with Israel amid Gaza violence Ireland's players voted to play despite public protests over Israel's…
- Keywords: irish soccer, israel, gaza, uefa, nations league, boycott, football, irish prime minister, Irish, fans, demand, match
- Source: Mother Jones — https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/09/irish-soccer-fans-call-for-boycotting-matches-with-israel
- Author: Alex Nguyen
- Published: 2026-09-27T12:47:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: irish soccer, israel, gaza, uefa, nations league, boycott, football, irish prime minister
## Public protests against match
Over 100 Dublin protesters held signs demanding cancellation of Ireland-Israel games due to Gaza violence

> NO GAME. OUR TEAM. OUR VALUES
## Match venue details
Ireland plays Israel in Hungary and Serbia with minimal Irish supporters expected
## Ireland's historical stance
Ireland supported Palestinian statehood in 1980 and has boycotted events over Israel
## Player vote decision
Most Irish players voted to play despite protests and boycott calls
## Player statements
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu left team over moral stance against Gaza violence

> My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong
## Soccer association response
Ireland's FA will wear black armbands but skip pre-match rituals
## Political reactions
Irish PM supports match while socialist critic calls it a stance against genocide

> You can’t play against genocide; the best statement against genocide is not playing
## Key takeaway

Ireland's players voted to play despite public protests over Israel's actions in Gaza