Ireland beat Israel 3-0 amid Gaza protest gestures

Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in the UEFA Nations League in Debrecen, Hungary, in a match marked by protest gestures over the war in Gaza.
The Irish players bowed their heads during Israel’s national anthem and wore black armbands. The pre-match handshake ceremony did not take place, and the captains did not exchange pennants. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad before the match, saying it would be wrong to play.
Ireland scored three times in the first 25 minutes. Jack Moylan, who scored the third, removed his black armband, kissed it and raised it in a gesture of solidarity with Gaza.
Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the players had “raised awareness worldwide.” The Football Association of Ireland said the gestures recognised lives lost in the Gaza conflict.
The return fixture, officially an Ireland home game, moves from Dublin to Backa Topola, Serbia, and will be played behind closed doors on October 4.
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