Ireland players vote to play Israel tie despite Gaza unease

Players from Ireland’s football team voted on Saturday to fulfil a UEFA Nations League tie with Israel despite player unease over the war in Gaza.

“We carried out a vote amongst the squad to establish their sentiment on fulfilling the (Israel) fixtures,” Football Association of Ireland head David Courell told reporters in Debrecen, Hungary, where the game will take place on Sunday.

“It was a significant majority that was returned with the intention to continue,” said Courell.

“Based on that, the association took the decision on behalf of Irish football that this fixture would continue, as we have always intended to fulfil the fixtures,” he said.

Ireland are scheduled to play two Nations League fixtures against Israel, with the first — officially Israel’s home fixture – to be played at the neutral venue in Hungary.

Ireland’s designated home match on October 4 was moved from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to Backa Topola, Serbia, following concerns over disruption and security.

Ireland has long been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, with sympathy often linked to the country’s own history of British rule.

Dublin formally recognised a Palestinian state in 2024 alongside Spain and Norway, and has repeatedly criticised Israel over the Gaza conflict.

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Israel strongly rejects allegations its conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide.

Since Ireland were drawn in the same Nations League group as Israel, prominent Irish figures including sportspeople, as well as fan groups and pro-Palestinian campaigners, have protested against the ties going ahead.

Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson told the press conference that one unnamed player decided early Saturday to withdraw from the squad.

The players’ decision triggered the delay of a scheduled press conference and a decision to hold the vote amongst the squad about whether to fulfil the fixture or not.

AFP

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