Story perspectives

Ireland protests Israel anthem, wins 3-0 in Hungary

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 10:15 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in a UEFA Nations League match in Hungary.
Irish players wore black armbands, bowed for Israel’s anthem, and refused the handshake.
Reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both legs, saying killing civilians is wrong.
Players voted 14-8 to play the first match after Bazunu’s withdrawal.
Protesters tossed tennis balls bearing Palestinian flags onto the pitch during Ireland’s 2-2 draw with Austria.

History

Historical Context

From 1965 Des Moines student armband protest, affirmed by the 1969 Tinker decision, to Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower and Henry Olonga’s black-tape protest at the 2003 Cricket World Cup, it reappeared when the U.S. team wore armbands for the July 7, 2005 London bombings in 2006 World Cup and Ireland did so in 2024 Nations League, heightened by restrictive U.S. visa rules for the 2026 World Cup.

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Story summary

Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in a UEFA Nations League match in Hungary.
Irish players wore black armbands, bowed for Israel’s anthem, and refused the handshake.
Reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both legs, saying killing civilians is wrong.
Players voted 14-8 to play the first match after Bazunu’s withdrawal.
Protesters tossed tennis balls bearing Palestinian flags onto the pitch during Ireland’s 2-2 draw with Austria.

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