Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the Nations League fixtures against Israel, saying his faith and principles made it wrong for him to take part.
In a statement posted on social media, Bazunu said: “Representing my country means everything to me.” He added that he is “a man of strong faith” and tries to be “a person of character and principle,” so it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming games.
He said his decision was based on his belief that “the killing of innocent people is wrong,” and stressed it was not aimed at Israeli people or the Jewish community but “against the atrocities in the region.”
The withdrawal triggered emergency talks inside the Ireland camp. The players held a squad vote on whether to fulfill the fixtures. Former Ireland manager Brian Kerr said the vote was 14-8 in favor of playing. The FAI said a “significant majority” backed proceeding.
Ireland face Israel on Sunday, September 27, at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary. The return match is set for October 4 behind closed doors in Serbia. Ireland registered defender Jimmy Dunne as a third goalkeeper after Bazunu’s exit.