Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Ireland Refuses Pre-Match Handshakes Before 3-0 Israel Victory
Ireland and Israel played a Nations League soccer match in Debrecen, Hungary.
Before the game, the Irish players wore black armbands and did not shake hands with the Israeli players.
They also stood quietly during Israel’s national anthem.
Ireland scored three goals in the first 25 minutes.
Troy Parrott scored first, followed by Adam Idah and Jack Moylan.
Israel tried to score after halftime, but Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher made important saves.
The match was controversial because many people in Ireland opposed Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The teams are scheduled to play again on October 4 in Serbia.
Ireland players wore black armbands and did not shake hands with Israel players before Sunday’s Nations League match.
Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, with goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan.
The match faced opposition in Ireland over Israel’s actions in Gaza, prompting pressure for Ireland to boycott the fixtures.
Reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno left Ireland’s squad, citing his personal belief that killing innocent people is wrong.
Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher made important saves after halftime as tensions increased during the match.
- Who
- The Ireland and Israel national soccer teams, with Ireland captain Dara O’Shea and Israel captain Manor Solomon involved in the pre-match proceedings.
- What
- Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in a Nations League match while wearing black armbands and declining pre-match player handshakes.
- When
- Sunday; the teams are scheduled to meet again on October 4.
- Where
- The match was played in Debrecen, Hungary; the return fixture is scheduled for Backa Topola, Serbia.
- Why
- The match was contested amid opposition in Ireland to Israel’s actions in Gaza and pressure on Irish players to boycott the fixtures.
- Result
- Ireland 3-0 Israel
- Competition
- Nations League
- Venue
- Debrecen, Hungary
- Ireland scorers
- Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan
- Pre-match gesture
- Ireland players wore black armbands and did not shake hands with Israel players
- Attendance context
- A small group of Israeli fans was present in an otherwise almost-empty stadium
- Next meeting
- October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia