The Republic of Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in a UEFA Nations League match on September 27, 2026, in Debrecen, Hungary. The fixture was marked by political tension, with Irish players wearing black armbands and refusing to shake hands with the Israeli team to protest the war in Gaza.
The atmosphere at the Nagyerdei Stadium was described as eerie and sombre. In a coordinated display of protest, Irish players bowed their heads and kept their hands behind their backs during the playing of the Israeli national anthem. The Irish Football Association stated the black armbands were intended to honor all lives lost in the conflict.
The Handshake Boycott and On-Field Friction
Before the match began, the traditional exchange of pennants and pre-match handshakes were skipped. Ireland’s captain, Dara O’Shea, approached the centre of the field for the pre-match talk with match officials and his opposite number with his hands still firmly clasped behind his back. O’Shea shook hands with the referee and his assistants but refused to shake the hand of Israel captain Manor Solomon. According to reporting from Elnile24, the Irish federation had notified UEFA of this decision in advance, and the arrangement was accepted.
The tension extended into the gameplay. Adam Idah and Raz Shlomo were both booked by German referee Harm Osmers following a confrontation around the hour mark.
Gavin Bazuno’s Refusal to Play
The squad faced significant internal and external pressure to boycott the fixture entirely. More than 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the two matches, and the Irish Football Association had requested that UEFA suspend Israel’s participation in international competitions, though the request was not accepted. While the majority of the team voted to play after meetings and discussions within the camp, reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno withdrew from the squad for both the Debrecen match and the upcoming return fixture in Serbia on October 4.
I am a person of firm faith, and I strive as much as I can to adhere to my principles and values. Therefore, I feel that my participation in the next two matches against Israel would be a wrong thing.
Political Fallout and Diplomatic Rebuke
The match took place in a nearly empty stadium. While a small group of Israeli fans were present—some of whom waved flags and heckled Irish players during warm-ups and whenever players approached their section of the stands—Irish supporters were largely absent. Some fans who had secured tickets through the Israeli soccer federation told RTÉ that those had been cancelled before the game.
The 3-0 Victory in Debrecen
Ireland secured the win with a rapid first-half blitz, scoring three goals within a 12-minute window.
- 13th Minute: Troy Parrott opened the scoring and celebrated with a heart sign.
- 16th Minute: Adam Idah doubled the lead.
- 25th Minute: Jack Moylan scored the third goal, which was his first in an official match for the Irish national team; he subsequently kissed the Irish badge and his black armband.
Despite attempts by Israel to return in the second half, Ireland maintained the lead, supported by goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher. The match also marked the international debut of Sheffield United player Liam Kitching, who was given his first appearance for the senior team by coach Heimir Hallgrímsson.
