Ireland goalkeeper REFUSES to play against Israel in protest at Gaza 'atrocities': Controversial clash to go ahead after FOUR-HOUR talks and last-minute vote among players
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Irish keeper Gavin Bazunu defended his decision to pull out of Ireland's controversial Nations League clash against Israel by insisting he isn't against Israelis or Jews – but against the atrocities in Gaza.
The second-choice stopper made the comments at the end of a day of high drama which saw the men's national side take a vote over whether to proceed with the match following Bazunu letting his feelings be known at the team hotel in Debrecen, Hungary on Saturday.
According to former Irish manager Brian Kerr, that vote occurred in the absence of Bazunu and ended 14-8 in favour of fulfilling the fixture. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has refused to confirm or deny those figures.
And in further criticism Kerr called on the FAI board to resign and accused them of 'collaborating' in Israeli sportswashing.
After a tense day where the match was plunged into doubt, Bazunu wrote on Instagram: 'Representing my country means everything to me.
'I have the utmost respect for every single one of my teammates, the manager, his staff and the Irish people.
Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the squad for the clash with Israel
'However, I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly. 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.
'My decision is based purely upon my belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong. It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition to the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region.
'There are few times when you get a chance in life to stand for something bigger and I strongly believe that this is one of them.'
A source close to the player last night told The Mail on Sunday the Dubliner's family is proud of him for standing up for his beliefs.
'Gavin is a hero,' they said. ´What he's done took great courage. His family is proud.'
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson had earlier confirmed that Bazunu will not play in Sunday's fixture.
Hallgrimsson had previously stirred controversy after saying his team are 'playing against genocide' amid Israel's attacks on Palestine, where more than 70,000 people have been killed since the war in Gaza began.
Hallgrimsson's comments sparked an angry backlash from Israeli officials, but there have been growing calls for the game to be scrapped by the Irish public – with a petition attracting over 17,000 signatures.
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