Full Breakdown
Ireland-Israel Nations League Standoff: Black Armbands, Handshake Refusals and Political Pressure
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
At the second UEFA Nations League meeting between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, both teams wore black armbands. Israel’s captain Dor Peretz displayed “7/10” to mark the October 7, 2023, terror attack. Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, acting as captain, avoided the customary handshake with Peretz after the pre-match formalities. The match proceeded without spectators after the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) relocated the fixture for “operational reasons.”
Background & Context
The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack killed more than 1,000 Israelis, while the Gaza health ministry reports over 74,200 Palestinian deaths. Ireland’s pro-Palestinian stance led the FAI in November 2025 to submit a motion urging UEFA to bar Israel from competitions. Citing security concerns, the FAI declined to host Israel on Irish soil and scheduled the first encounter in Debrecen, Hungary, on 27 September 2026.
Data & Statistics
- AFP tally: 1,221 Israeli deaths.
- Over 160 Irish sportspeople signed an open letter urging cancellation.
- Irish squad voted 14-8 to play the second match; reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew.
- Ireland won the first match 3-0, scoring three first-half goals.
Official Statements & Responses
- Irish communications officer Kieran Crowley denied claims that Irish players called Israeli opponents “monkeys,” calling the allegation “a lie.”
- FAI chief executive David Courell said the vote reflected “a significant majority” and warned of UEFA sanctions if the games were abandoned.
- Israeli captain Manor Solomon (who captained the first match) said some Irish players had said “unpleasant things” during the game.
Criticism & Opposition
- Trade union SIPTU displayed a poster in Dublin urging players to “Go with your conscience!” and to “Don’t play with genocide.”
- The “Stop the Game” initiative sent an open letter to the squad and coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, calling for cancellation and urging government intervention.
On-the-Ground Reports
During Ireland’s Nations League match against Austria, spectators threw tennis balls bearing Palestinian flags onto the pitch, prompting a brief hydration break. Similar demonstrations occurred outside the team hotel in Dublin and at the venue in Serbia, where protesters displayed Palestinian banners and attempted to enter the field. Irish players left the pitch immediately after the final whistle in the first Israel match, avoiding the usual post-match handshakes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Israeli death toll figures differ: “more than 1,000” versus the AFP-cited 1,221.
- Vote results are described both as “a significant majority” and as a specific 14-8 tally; the exact margin remains unverified.
- The precise number of signatories to the open letter is not confirmed beyond “over 160.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The FAI has said we are playing both games. That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention,” — Heimir Hallgrimsson, Ireland coach
What’s Next
Ireland will co-host the 2028 European Championship with England, Wales and Scotland, a commitment that remains unchanged despite the controversy. The FAI indicated it will continue to field the team in the remaining Nations League fixtures, warning that any cancellation could trigger “punishing sanctions” from UEFA.