Ireland Players Boycott Match Against Israel

Al Jazeera · world

Despite calls for a boycott, Ireland's football team played against Israel in Hungary on Sunday, losing 3-0. A campaign group argued that playing Israel legitimizes a "genocidal regime" and violates international law. Polls indicated that 76 percent of the Irish public and 63 percent of professional players did not want the team to play. One player, Gavin Bazunu, boycotted the match. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) faced criticism for not reflecting public sentiment or protecting players.