Footballers representing Ireland wore black armbands during their Nations League match against Israel, played in Hungary, according to multiple outlets. Football Association of Ireland CEO David Courell said the gesture was made "in recognition of all lives lost in the (Gaza) conflict."
One player withdrew from the Ireland squad ahead of the match in protest at the game going ahead, according to center-leaning reports. The Jerusalem Post reported that the decision to wear armbands followed "several conflicts amid the team," with players reportedly demanding not to play the match due to the war in Gaza.
Courell said additional "gestures" are planned for a second match against Israel next week, scheduled to be played in Serbia, according to Arab News.
The Jerusalem Post additionally reported that Irish players refused to shake hands with Israeli players during the match, a claim not corroborated by other supplied sources.
Coverage of the match took place amid boycott calls referenced by Euronews, though details of those calls were not specified in the supplied material.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Mirror reported that Ireland players voted on wearing black armbands against Israel.
“Why Ireland players are wearing black armbands against Israel after player vote” — The Mirror
Center
- Euronews and Arab News reported the armbands were worn amid boycott calls surrounding the match.
- Arab News quoted FAI CEO David Courell explaining the armbands recognized "all lives lost in the (Gaza) conflict."
- Center outlets reported one player withdrew from the squad in protest before the match.
- Courell said further gestures are planned for the second match against Israel in Serbia, per Arab News.
“Irish footballers to wear black armbands in Israel match over Gaza conflict” — Arab News
Right
- The Jerusalem Post reported Irish players refused to shake hands with Israeli players during the match.
- The Jerusalem Post described internal team conflicts, including players reportedly demanding not to play due to the Gaza war.
- GB News reported the armbands were described as being worn "in recognition of all lives lost in Gaza conflict."
“Irish soccer team wears black armbands, refuse to shake Israeli players' hands during match” — The Jerusalem Post
Questions readers ask
Why did Ireland's football team wear black armbands against Israel?
The Football Association of Ireland said the armbands were worn "in recognition of all lives lost in the (Gaza) conflict," according to CEO David Courell.
Did any Ireland players refuse to participate in the match?
One player withdrew from the Ireland squad ahead of the match in protest at the game going ahead, according to center-leaning reports.
Where was the Ireland-Israel match played?
The match was played in Hungary as part of a Nations League fixture, with a second match against Israel scheduled the following week in Serbia.
What did right-leaning outlets report that others did not?
The Jerusalem Post reported that Irish players refused to shake hands with Israeli players and described internal conflict among the team over playing the match; these claims were not corroborated by other supplied sources.
What happens next?
According to Arab News, Football Association of Ireland CEO David Courell said further gestures are planned for the second Ireland-Israel match in Serbia the following week.
Sources · 10 outlet reports
- Al Jazeera EnglishLeft-leaningIreland defeats Israel in controversial UEFA Nations League match
- Associated PressLeft-leaningIreland players wear black armbands and refrain from handshakes in soccer game against Israel
- The MirrorLeft-leaningWhy Ireland players are wearing black armbands against Israel after player vote
- Arab NewsCenterIrish footballers to wear black armbands in Israel match over Gaza conflict
- EuronewsCenterIreland team to wear black armbands in Israel game amid boycott calls
- Yahoo SportsCenterIreland players wear black armbands and refrain from handshakes in soccer game against Israel
- Fox NewsRight-leaningIrish soccer players wear black armbands, refuse to shake hands ahead of contentious match vs Israel
- GB NewsRight-leaningIreland to wear black armbands against Israel 'in recognition of all lives lost in Gaza conflict'
- The Jerusalem PostRight-leaningIrish soccer team wear black armbands against Israel
- The TelegraphRight-leaningIreland players protest against Israel by bowing heads during anthem