Ireland’s upcoming Nations League fixture against Israel is facing renewed pressure as Palestinian solidarity groups prepare demonstrations in Dublin and outside the national team’s match against Austria. The protests come after Ireland’s 3-0 victory over Israel in Hungary and amid uncertainty about how the squad will approach the next meeting.
Protests planned ahead of Ireland’s Israel match
The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Irish Sport for Palestine have both announced actions connected to the fixture, which is scheduled to take place in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on Sunday, October 4.
The IPSC plans to gather outside Leinster House on Wednesday, September 30, while FAI chief executive David Courell is due to meet the Oireachtas Sports Committee. Demonstrators are expected to call on the Football Association of Ireland to cancel the game.
Irish Sport for Palestine has also organised a protest outside the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, October 1. The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 6.30pm, ahead of Ireland’s match against Austria, which is due to kick off at 7.45pm.
Calls for an FAI decision
The campaigners’ central demand is that the FAI withdraw from the second fixture against Israel. Their actions place the issue directly into the public and political spotlight, with the association facing questions about the sporting and ethical considerations surrounding the match.
For supporters attending the Austria game, the planned protest is likely to create a visible backdrop before kick-off. The demonstrations also reflect wider debate in Ireland about sport, international fixtures and responses to the war in Gaza.
Manager says Ireland have not made a final decision
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the team had not fully determined its next steps after the victory in Hungary. He explained that the players would first return home, spend time with family and then regroup to prepare for Austria before discussing the situation further.
Hallgrimsson also acknowledged that members of the squad hold different views about the fixture. He stressed that players come from varied backgrounds and that each person should be given an opportunity to express their position.
His comments underline the difficult balance facing the team. Any decision could carry sporting, political and personal consequences, while the players remain focused on their Nations League campaign.
Bazunu explains decision to miss first match
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was the only Ireland player who chose not to participate in the September 27 match. In a statement shared on Instagram, he said his decision was based on his personal belief that the killing of innocent people was wrong.
Despite sitting out the game in Hungary, Bazunu is expected to remain involved with the squad for the Austria fixture on October 1.
Visible gestures during the Hungary victory
Ireland’s players made several gestures during the 3-0 win. They wore black armbands in recognition of Palestinians killed during the war in Gaza. The team also declined to shake hands with the Israeli players and bowed their heads during Israel’s national anthem.
Those actions ensured that the political and humanitarian context surrounding the fixture was highly visible. The forthcoming match in Serbia is now being discussed not only as a Nations League encounter, but also as a test of how football authorities and players respond to an emotionally charged international issue.
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What happens next?
The immediate focus will be Ireland’s Austria match and any further statement from the FAI, the manager or the players. The protests outside Leinster House and the Aviva Stadium may also influence the public conversation before the October 4 fixture.
Until a formal decision is announced, the position remains unsettled. Hallgrimsson’s comments indicate that the team intends to discuss the issue collectively, while the campaign groups are continuing to press for the match to be cancelled.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ireland due to play Israel?
The second Nations League fixture is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, in Bačka Topola, Serbia.
Who is organising the protests?
The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Irish Sport for Palestine have announced demonstrations connected to the fixture.
Why did Gavin Bazunu miss the first match?
Bazunu said his decision was based on his personal belief that the killing of innocent people was wrong.
What did Ireland’s players do during the first game?
The players wore black armbands, did not shake hands with the Israeli team and bowed their heads during Israel’s national anthem.
Ireland’s Israel fixture remains under intense scrutiny, with protests planned and the squad still considering its position. The clearest takeaway is that the final decision will be watched closely both within football and across the wider Irish public debate.
Image Courtesy: Extra.ie
