The Republic of Ireland's Nations League meeting with Israel on Sunday ended in a tense 1-1 draw at a neutral venue, with the Irish players once again refusing to shake hands with their Israeli counterparts before kick-off.
A draw behind closed doors
Troy Parrott gave Ireland the lead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Israel captain Dor Peretz fouled Jimmy Dunne. Peretz made amends shortly after half-time, equalising for Israel. The League B Group 3 match was played behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia.
Before the match, Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher — standing in as captain for Dara O'Shea, who was excused to be with his wife for the birth of their child — pointedly avoided shaking hands with Peretz, though he completed the customary handshakes with the referee and one of his assistants.
The Irish players also wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem. Israel's players wore black armbands as well, in memory of those killed in the October 7, 2023 attacks, with UEFA's approval.
A repeat of the first meeting
The gestures echoed the teams' first meeting in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27, when O'Shea declined to shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon. Ireland went on to win that game 3-0. Solomon was dropped to the bench for Sunday's return fixture.
The game had originally been scheduled as an Ireland home fixture in Dublin, but the Football Association of Ireland moved it to a neutral venue in June citing "operational reasons", following widespread calls in Ireland for a boycott in protest of Israel's actions in Gaza. Last November, the FAI had called on UEFA to ban Israel from club and international competitions.
Israeli forward Sayed Abu Farchi was back in the squad after serving a suspension for his goal celebration during Israel's 3-1 defeat to Austria on September 25. Finn Azaz, whose mother has Israeli heritage, was among the Irish substitutes.
Sources:
- Ireland footballers wear black armbands again, refuse handshakes with Israel team — The Hindu
- Israeli soccer team wear black armbands against Ireland, UEFA approves — The Jerusalem Post
A draw behind closed doors
Troy Parrott gave Ireland the lead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Israel captain Dor Peretz fouled Jimmy Dunne. Peretz made amends shortly after half-time, equalising for Israel. The League B Group 3 match was played behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia.
Before the match, Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher — standing in as captain for Dara O'Shea, who was excused to be with his wife for the birth of their child — pointedly avoided shaking hands with Peretz, though he completed the customary handshakes with the referee and one of his assistants.
The Irish players also wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem. Israel's players wore black armbands as well, in memory of those killed in the October 7, 2023 attacks, with UEFA's approval.
A repeat of the first meeting
The gestures echoed the teams' first meeting in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27, when O'Shea declined to shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon. Ireland went on to win that game 3-0. Solomon was dropped to the bench for Sunday's return fixture.
The game had originally been scheduled as an Ireland home fixture in Dublin, but the Football Association of Ireland moved it to a neutral venue in June citing "operational reasons", following widespread calls in Ireland for a boycott in protest of Israel's actions in Gaza. Last November, the FAI had called on UEFA to ban Israel from club and international competitions.
Israeli forward Sayed Abu Farchi was back in the squad after serving a suspension for his goal celebration during Israel's 3-1 defeat to Austria on September 25. Finn Azaz, whose mother has Israeli heritage, was among the Irish substitutes.
Sources:
- Ireland footballers wear black armbands again, refuse handshakes with Israel team — The Hindu
- Israeli soccer team wear black armbands against Ireland, UEFA approves — The Jerusalem Post
