Ireland soccer match boycott over Gaza conflict

What happened

• Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in a UEFA Nations League match played at a neutral venue in Debrecen, Hungary, with Ireland leading by three goals inside the opening 25 minutes.The ForwardESPNand 1 source we do not link
• Irish players wore black armbands and bowed their heads during Israel's anthem, and the customary handshakes were skipped; goal scorer Jack Moylan removed his armband and raised it after scoring, according to Yeni Safak.The ForwardFox Newsand 1 source we do not link
• Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable, saying on Instagram it would be wrong to take part, which triggered a squad vote and an emergency meeting that ended in what the FAI called a large majority for playing.ESPNThe Forwardand 1 source we do not link
• The Forward reported that Ireland's federation had voted 75-32 in July to fulfil the fixture, citing possible UEFA sporting and financial penalties, after more than 160 Irish sports figures signed a letter urging a pullout.The ForwardESPN
• FAI president Paul Cooke said afterwards the association had handled the week well and respected the players' vote, while the return fixture, nominally Ireland's home game, was moved to Backa Topola in Serbia and set for Oct. 4 without spectators.ESPNThe Forwardand 1 source we do not link

Why it matters

The match turned into a stage for Ireland's long-running friction with Israel, which sharpened after Dublin recognized a Palestinian state and Israel shut its embassy there, and the two sides are due to meet again.The ForwardESPN

What pro-Israel voices are saying

• i24 News led its report on the players' refusal to shake hands alongside Israel's 3-0 defeat.
• Yoseph Haddad posted a video message aimed at the Irish squad ahead of the game.