Story perspectives

Ireland plays Israel despite Gaza protests, votes to fulfill fixture

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 10:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Ireland Defeats Israel

Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, amid Gaza-war protests.
Irish players wore black armbands, bowed for Israel’s anthem and skipped handshakes.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew, saying playing would be wrong given civilian deaths in Gaza.
FAI warned a boycott could cost at least $6.3 million in UEFA sanctions.
Emergency squad meeting resulted in a significant majority voting to fulfil the fixture.

Summary

Saar Criticizes Ireland

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Ireland of being on the wrong side of history, citing 1939 Nazi salute.
Israeli captain Manor Solomon said Israel is “10 times better” than Ireland and dismissed the Irish protest.
A small contingent of Israeli fans booed the Irish squad during warm-up and the Israeli anthem.
Forward Sayed Abu Farchi missed the game after being suspended for a red card in the previous match.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 South Africa hosted the third Rugby World Cup, the first major international sport event after apartheid ended and after the IRFB readmitted the nation in 1992. The tournament ran from 25 May to 24 June, featured 16 teams in nine upgraded stadiums, and culminated with Nelson Mandela presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to captain François Pienaar.

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Ireland Defeats Israel

Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, amid Gaza-war protests.
Irish players wore black armbands, bowed for Israel’s anthem and skipped handshakes.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew, saying playing would be wrong given civilian deaths in Gaza.
FAI warned a boycott could cost at least $6.3 million in UEFA sanctions.
Emergency squad meeting resulted in a significant majority voting to fulfil the fixture.

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