Ireland press on with Israel clash despite Stop The Game protest

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed that the side will meet Israel on Sunday in their second Nations League game, despite a Stop The Game boycott that gathered almost 20,000 signatures in September. The decision means the fixture proceeds as scheduled, with the controversy centred on goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu’s ethical withdrawal.

Boycott calls ignored by federation

Hallgrimsson told reporters ahead of Thursday’s clash with Austria that the Football Association of Ireland has confirmed the team will fulfil both fixtures. “The FAI has said we are playing both games,” he said, adding that the intention was set when the camp began. A petition to stop the game had attracted almost 20,000 signatures, while hundreds of Irish pubs refused to broadcast the first encounter and vowed to do the same for Sunday’s match. Protesters gathered outside the team hotel in Dublin on the day of the first game.

Gavin Bazunu's ethical withdrawal

Ireland beat Israel 3‑0 in Hungary on Sunday night, a result achieved without goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who withdrew on ethical grounds. Bazunu released an Instagram statement saying his faith and principle compelled him to oppose the killing of innocent people, stressing his stance was not against Israeli people or the Jewish community. His withdrawal triggered a lengthy team meeting that ended in a vote to proceed with the first clash, and he will be replaced by Josh Keeley for the second fixture.

Second fixture set behind closed doors

The second Nations League encounter will be played behind closed doors in Serbia, removing any public audience. Hallgrimsson defended Bazunu, calling him “a great lad” and condemning “lies” surrounding his decision, while also praising Finn Azaz for his conduct despite his Israeli heritage. Captain Dara O'Shea led the squad in wearing black armbands and refusing to shake hands with Israel skipper Manor Solomon at the coin toss, and the Irish players looked away as the Israeli anthem played.

The “Stop The Game” campaign, organised by Irish Sport for Palestine, has urged fans to demonstrate ahead of the Thursday match with Austria to oppose the Sunday game. Protestors plan to gather outside the Dublin stadium on Thursday, echoing the earlier demonstrations. Hallgrimsson previously described the clash as “playing against genocide”, noting that more than 70,000 people have been killed since the Gaza war began, according to the Hamas‑run health ministry.

With the fixture confirmed, Ireland will travel to Serbia on Sunday before facing Austria in Dublin later in the week. Hallgrimsson urged his players to focus on the football and to take each day as it comes, hoping the controversy does not distract from their performance.