Game On: Today’s Israel v Republic of Ireland Soccer Match Is Played as Irish Players Vote to Buck Boycott Demands

In a game that will be barely broadcast in Ireland, this afternoon’s international soccer Nation’s League match with Israel features 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 denies 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 to be played in Hungary has faced controversy since the two teams were picked to face each other. The Irish players are bucking a “Stop the Game” effort organized by an activist group called “Irish Sport for Palestine.” That pressure has pushed the team to limit its participation in pre-game ceremonies while the players refuse 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 will have reduced coverage at home. As the game attracts disproportionate international attention, Irish public service broadcaster RTÉ has decided to minimize its 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. They didn’t.

Game On: Today’s Israel v Republic of Ireland Soccer Match Is Played as Irish Players Vote to Buck Boycott Demands

Game On: Today’s Israel v Republic of Ireland Soccer Match Is Played as Irish Players Vote to Buck Boycott Demands

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