AssetID: 56066825
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Ireland Players 'Raised Awareness Worldwide' With Israel Protest
Caption: Ireland Players 'Raised Awareness Worldwide' With Israel Protest. Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said his players "raised awareness worldwide" with their actions before a 3-0 Nations League victory over Israel. The Irish players did not shake hands with their opponents and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem before the match in Hungary. Captains Dara O'Shea and Manor Solomon also did not exchange pennants or shake hands as part of Ireland's decision to avoid pre-match formalities. The Irish squad wore black armbands in recognition of lives lost in the Gaza conflict, with Jack Moylan kissing his armband after scoring Ireland's third goal. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both Israel fixtures, saying he believed it would be wrong for him to participate. Ireland’s players had voted by a "significant majority" to fulfil the fixture following a lengthy team meeting on Saturday. Calls for Ireland to boycott the games against Israel had intensified, with more than 160 Irish athletes signing an open letter urging the team not to play. Hallgrimsson said he hoped the players' actions and statements would be understood as showing their support for the protest and raising awareness. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Sports,Republic of Ireland,Israel,Heimir Hallgrimsson,Gavin Bazunu,Jack Moylan,Dara O'Shea,Manor Solomon,UEFA Nations League,Irish football
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