Israel v. Republic of Ireland Soccer Match Ends With Ireland on Top, Relations in Tatters

In a three to zero Ireland victory that was barely broadcast in Ireland, Sunday’s international soccer Nation’s League match with Israel featured players wearing black armbands in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza that the team’s manager called a “genocide” in response to a vast Hamas terror attack that killed more than 1,000 people in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin denied there is any anti-Semitism involved.A strong majority of Republic of Ireland team members voted to play in the fixture while wearing black armbands “in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict” for the fixture. The fixture played Hungary faced controversy since the two teams were picked to face each other. and there was more from the beginning of the match.The Irish players were bucking a “Stop the Game” effort organized by an activist group called “Irish Sport for Palestine.” That pressure pushed the team to limit its participation in pre-game ceremonies while the players refused to do any media in relation to the game.At New York’s United Nations, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin told Fox News that claims Ireland’s rebuke of Israel has crossed into antisemitism are false. He argues Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza is “absolutely disproportionate” and urged Israel to “change strategy.”“I think for the vast majority of people it does not (cross the line into anti-Semitism),” Martin said when asked about his country’s strong stand on the side of Palestinians. “We have no tolerance for antisemitism, none,” Martin added.The Republic of Ireland vs Israel in the Nations League had reduced coverage at home. As the game attracteddisproportionate international attention, Irish public service broadcaster RTÉ decided to minimize coverage of its own national team.“RTÉ will meet its contractual obligations to broadcast the two Uefa Nations League fixtures between Ireland and Israel,” the organization said in a statement explaining there be “no studio presentation, no studio punditry,” a “minimal technical team” and no advertising or sponsorship. “These arrangement reflect RTÉ’S decision to fulfil its contractual broadcasting obligations while limiting the additional production and commercial activity associated with the fixtures.”Gavin Bazunu, a reserve Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, took to social media to report that he had abandoned his teammates. It would be “wrong to participate” in the event “based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong,” he explained on Instagram. “It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region.”Ireland, has long backed the Palestinian cause. After Ireland became among the first European countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, and senior government leaders described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, Israel closed its Dublin embassy.Israel’s coach, Ran Ben-Shimon, said his players would extend a hand to their Irish counterparts. “We will put out our hands. If they don’t want to shake it, fine,” he said Saturday night. Israel’s sportsmanship was not returned in kind.

Israel v. Republic of Ireland Soccer Match Ends With Ireland on Top, Relations in Tatters

Israel v. Republic of Ireland Soccer Match Ends With Ireland on Top, Relations in Tatters

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