Republic of Ireland Beat Israel 3-0 After Gaza War Gesture
The Republic of Ireland responded to an extraordinarily difficult build-up by beating Israel 3-0 in Hungary on Sunday, with the squad making a series of gestures before kick-off amid internal discussions about the war in Gaza.
Ireland’s players wore black armbands, did not take part in the customary pre-match handshake and lowered their heads during Israel’s anthem. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had withdrawn from selection on Saturday, saying his personal conviction was that the killing of innocent people was wrong.
The fixture went ahead only after a four-hour meeting involving the Ireland squad. Football Association of Ireland chief David Courell said a clear majority of the group had supported playing the match, while manager Heimir Hallgrimsson described it as among the hardest weeks he has faced as a coach.
Hallgrimsson made five alterations to the team that lost 1-0 to Kosovo on Thursday. Finn Azaz, whose mother is an Israeli citizen, was among those moved to the substitutes’ bench after the emotional discussions within the camp.
Ireland settle the contest before half-time
Once play began, Ireland put the tension surrounding the occasion aside with a decisive burst of three goals in 11 first-half minutes. Parrott opened the scoring in the 14th minute, and Idah added a second two minutes later.
Moylan then made it 3-0 in the 25th minute, continuing an impressive start to his international career with a fourth goal in four caps. He marked the strike by taking off his black armband, waving it towards the Israeli supporters and kissing it.
Israel showed more resistance after the interval, but Ireland remained in control and saw out the match without conceding. The result gives Hallgrimsson’s side three points, level with Kosovo, while Israel are still without a point at the bottom of the group.
Ireland now turn towards next Thursday’s meeting with leaders Austria. Austria have won all of their matches so far, and Hallgrimsson’s immediate task will be to bring his group back together before a significant test against the unbeaten table-toppers.
