Story perspectives

Ireland’s 3-0 win sparks Gaza protest at coin toss

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 11:22 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in a Nations League match in Debrecen.
Irish players wore black armbands and bowed during Israel’s anthem to protest Gaza.
Captain Dara O’Shea refused to shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon at the coin toss.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew, saying killing innocent civilians is wrong.
The rematch is scheduled for October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors.

History

Historical Context

On October 16 1968, U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith (who ran the 200 m in 19.83 seconds) and John Carlos raised black-gloved fists during the medal ceremony, prompting IOC president Avery Brundage to suspend them and threaten the U.S. track team. Their Olympic Project for Human Rights protest foreshadowed later gestures such as Ireland’s Dara O’Shea and Gavin Bazunu wearing black armbands in 2024 to denounce Gaza casualties.

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Story summary

Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in a Nations League match in Debrecen.
Irish players wore black armbands and bowed during Israel’s anthem to protest Gaza.
Captain Dara O’Shea refused to shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon at the coin toss.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew, saying killing innocent civilians is wrong.
The rematch is scheduled for October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors.

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