EFE: Ireland protests against Israel with black wristbands over Gaza

The Ireland national team players listened to the Israeli anthem with their heads bowed and wore a black wristband on their right arm as a sign of protest, before clearly winning the second‑round match of the Nations League B 0‑3. Each Irish footballer explained that the gesture was in solidarity with “all lives lost in Gaza”.

Match development

The match, played at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, was reduced to just 25 minutes of effective play. Ireland scored the first goal at 13 minutes and 5 seconds thanks to Betis striker Troy Parrott, who struck with his right foot inside the box.

Two minutes later, Adam Idah doubled the lead with a powerful right‑footed shot after a pass from Jack Moylan. The third goal came in the 25th minute, when Moylan, after a great dribble, beat several opponents and finished with precision.

Incidents and reactions

During the match, Adam Idah received racist insults from a sector of the Israeli crowd. Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made a decisive save that prevented Israel from reducing the deficit.

Ireland’s quiet protest contrasts with Israel’s unchanged stance in Nations League clash

Israel’s captain and Ireland’s captain did not shake hands at the initial greeting, keeping their heads bowed during the anthem. Moreover, the Irish players wore the black wristbands visibly as a symbol of their stance.

Off‑field context

Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson explained that most players voted in favour of playing the match, even though goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu refused to play, citing his personal conviction against the death of innocent civilians in Gaza. Hallgrimsson stressed that playing does not equate to accepting what is happening in Gaza.

Ireland’s protest against Israel bans handshakes and adds black armbands

With the victory, Ireland added its first three points in Group B3 of the Nations League, while Israel remained without points. Both teams started the tournament with defeats, Ireland against Kosovo (1‑0) and Israel against Austria (3‑1).