Full Breakdown
Irish Pubs Refuse to Screen Israel Nations League Match Amid Gaza-War Protests
By Drooid · · How we work
Public Boycott of the Broadcast
Pubs across the Republic of Ireland have deliberately kept television screens off for the Nations League fixtures against Israel. Owner Aidan Brown of Peadar Browns in Dublin’s Liberties neighbourhood said the venue joined a list that already includes about 140 pubs and bars in Ireland and abroad that will not show the games. He explained that the decision was made “about a month ago” as part of a broader stand against what he described as Israel’s war in Gaza.
Public Opinion and Institutional Votes
A poll of Irish football supporters indicated that 76 percent opposed the match proceeding, while 63 percent of members of the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland voted against it. In November, 93 percent of Football Association of Ireland (FAI) members voted to seek Israel’s suspension from UEFA competitions. Despite that, the FAI’s July vote on whether to play the fixtures passed 75 votes to 32, with three abstentions, citing potential points deductions for non-fulfilment. Daniel Lambert, Bohemian FC chief commercial officer, characterised the FAI’s handling as a “mishandled” response to a clear membership instruction.
Team Reaction and Individual Boycott
Within the Republic of Ireland squad, coach Heimir Hallgrimsson noted that some players felt “really uncomfortable” about playing. Midfielder Jason Knight publicly stated that the games should not occur. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was the only player who ultimately refused to take the field, a decision described by Lambert as “staggering courage.” Reports suggest eight teammates voted against playing, but the majority voted to fulfil the fixture.
Wider Implications and Upcoming Fixtures
The controversy has drawn parallels with cultural boycotts, as highlighted by Lambert’s comment that the moment resembles a “real watershed moment in music.” The team’s next Nations League match against Israel remains scheduled, with an interim game against Austria in Dublin expected to attract a hostile home crowd.
Verbatim Quote
- “We’ve seen a real watershed moment in music,” — Daniel Lambert, the Bohemian FC chief commercial officer (Daniel Lambert, Bohemian FC chief commercial officer)