Irish solidarity with Palestine: historic roots revealed

In the cold stadium in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday the Nations League‑match between Israel and Ireland was played, with the Irish squad ending with a convincing 3‑0 victory despite a tense atmosphere and various protest actions, while an Irish player withdrew from the squad. The Palestinian cause sits deep in the Irish psyche, and this was evident during the match.

Overview Football, Tennis, Formula, Programme, Jupiler, Pro, League, Challenger, Champions, Europa, Conference, More and Nations competitions shows how broad sport is in the region, but the focus yesterday was on the Nations League‑duel between Israel and Ireland.

Historical and political roots of solidarity

Ireland threatened a boycott because of the war in Gaza, and a player refused the squad, while the team launched a campaign to not play the match. Sharp verbal statements were formulated and a vote took place among the players.

On the pitch even a handshake was missing at the toss and symbolic protests were carried out during the 90 minutes. According to former VRT‑NWS reporter and correspondent Ivan Ollevier the outspoken positions of the Irish are not surprising, because historical and political reasons lie at the basis of this.

Ireland protests before the match against Israel in an empty stadium

Ollevier explains that Ireland lived for hundreds of years under British rule and freed itself from colonialism in the twenties of the last century. This experience links the Irish psyche to the Palestinian cause, which they see as an oppressed colony of Israel, creating a long‑lasting solidarity.

Outlook for the next Nations League‑match

On 4 October the two countries will meet again in the Nations League, although the certainty of the match remains in question. Ollevier expects the pressure to increase, but believes that the game will be played because the Irish are “also football‑crazy”.

He warns, however, that citizens and organisations may take to the streets, and that Ireland has a history of violence, making it unclear whether the protests will remain peaceful.