Ireland goalkeeper boycotts Ireland match against Israel

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the national squad and refused to take part in Ireland’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel, citing his faith, personal principles and opposition to the killing of civilians.

The 24-year-old informed his teammates that he did not want to participate following lengthy discussions within the Irish camp ahead of Sunday’s match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary. Ireland are also due to face Israel again on October 4 in Bačka Topola, Serbia.

In a statement published on social media, Bazunu said representing Ireland “means everything” to him and stressed his respect for his teammates, the coaching staff and the Irish public. He said he had not reached the decision lightly, but that his faith and desire to act according to his principles meant he believed participating in the Israel fixtures would be wrong.

He explained that his decision was based on his belief that “the killing of innocent people is wrong”, while emphasising that his stance was not against Israeli people or the Jewish community. Instead, he said it concerned what he described as the atrocities taking place in the region.

Republic of Ireland players intend to wear black armbands in recognition of the lives lost in the Gaza conflict during Sunday’s Nations League match against Israel in Hungary, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said Saturday, Anadolu reports.