DEBRECEN: Republic of Ireland captain Dara O’Shea declined to shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon before their UEFA Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, September 27, in a pre-match gesture that drew attention amid tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict.
O’Shea shook hands with the match officials but kept his hands behind his back when he approached Solomon, with no handshake or customary exchange of pennants between the captains. The Irish players also did not participate in the traditional pre-match handshake.
The Ireland team wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem. Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell said the armbands were worn in recognition of all lives lost in the conflict.
The match had attracted significant attention in Ireland amid calls for the team to boycott fixtures against Israel over the Gaza war. Ireland’s reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad for both matches, citing his personal belief that the killing of innocent people was wrong.
On the field, Ireland produced a dominant first-half performance, with Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan scoring as the Republic of Ireland secured a 3-0 victory.
The teams are scheduled to meet again on October 4 in Bačka Topola, Serbia. The return fixture will be played behind closed doors.