Ireland refuse handshake with Israel and don armbands in Nations League tie
Republic of Ireland football players again wear black armbands and refuse handshakes with Israel in UEFA Nations League.
![UEFA Nations League - Group B3 - Republic of Ireland v Austria - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - October 1, 2026 A steward carries tennis balls which were thrown onto the pitch as part of a protest during the match. [REUTERS/Cathal Mcnaughton]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-1790937349.jpg?resize=770%2C433&quality=80)
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Ireland lost to Israel when they stepped on the pitch
But the Irish football team can still redeem itself.
Israeli fans direct monkey chants and military slogans at Ireland’s players
Israeli fans directed monkey chants at Ireland’s Adam Idah, who scored a goal in his team’s 3-0 Nations League win.
From: NewsFeed
Israeli football fans chant military slogans after defeat to Ireland
Israeli football fans chant military slogans after defeat to Ireland
Published On 28 Sep 2026
Ireland defeats Israel in controversial UEFA Nations League match
Ireland’s players wore black armbands in support of Palestine, bowed their heads, and refused pre-match handshakes.
‘It’s a mass movement’: Pubs in Ireland refuse to screen Israel match
Ireland has been thrust into the global spotlight over two controversial Nations League football games against Israel.
![Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu told his teammates he did not want to play [File: Stephen Pond/Getty Images]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/getty_6ab9600a74-1790533642.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
EXPLAINER
‘Heroic decision’: Ireland’s Bazunu hailed for Israel match withdrawal
Bazunu says his decision to withdraw was based on a ‘personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong’.
Northern Ireland protesters block Orange Order march in Portadown
Crowd gathered on Garvaghy Road on Sunday to protest against a court ruling allowing the march.
From: NewsFeed
Ireland decide to play Israel in Nations League after squad vote
Ireland’s players have voted to proceed with their Nations League fixture against Israel on Sunday.
Published On 26 Sep 2026
Israel-Ireland match to go ahead in Nations League after player vote
Ireland have delayed their pre-match media briefing and training as pressure grew, but player vote avoids game boycott.
Pressure to boycott Israel game grows as Ireland preparations stall
Ireland are due to play Israel in the Nations League in Hungary on Sunday, but boycott pressure mounts on and off-field.
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