Israel foreign minister lashes out
Photo: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/TT

Israel foreign minister lashes out at Ireland after Nations League protest over Gaza

Irish players refused to shake hands with Israeli opponents, wore black mourning bands - and stood with their heads bowed during the Israeli national anthem before a Nations League match. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is furious over the criticism of the situation in Gaza.

Sunday's match between Israel and Ireland at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, has been marred by controversy and outbursts.

The Football Association of Ireland has been facing growing calls to boycott the match against Israel in the Nations League due to Israel's war against the terrorist Hamas in Gaza and the situation for the civilian population.

The Irish national team chose to play, but expressed criticism by, among other things, wearing black ribbons on the sleeves of their match uniforms "for all the lives lost in the conflict."

Israeli Foreign Minister Saar responded with a furious attack on Ireland, accusing the Irish national team of "standing on the wrong side of history" and comparing it to how Irish football players performed the Nazi salute during an international match in Bremen, Germany, in 1939.

The European Football Association (Uefa) allows Israel to participate in the Nations League despite the conflict in the Middle East. Israel's home matches in Division B Group 3 must be played at a neutral venue.

Ireland won the match 3–0.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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