Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inBrittney DonovanSunday 27 September 2026 21:36 BSTPlayers of Israel, right, and Ireland stand for the anthems before the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Ireland and Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 (AP)Players from the Ireland national team refrained from shaking hands with Israeli players and wore black armbands prior to their Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, amid strong domestic opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza.Irish captain Dara O’Shea shook hands with the match referee and assistants but avoided shaking hands with Israeli captain Manor Solomon, while Irish players stood with their hands behind their backs during the Israeli national anthem.Irish reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno boycotted both matches against Israel due to his personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.Irish supporters were largely absent from the mostly empty stadium after tickets purchased through the Israeli soccer federation were canceled the night before the match.Ireland built a 3-0 lead by halftime following early goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, and Jack Moylan.In fullIreland players wear black armbands and refrain from handshakes in soccer game against IsraelMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in