The Republic of Ireland football team wore black armbands during their UEFA Nations League match against Israel to honor Palestinians killed in Gaza. The match, held on Sunday, ended in a 1-1 draw and was played behind closed doors at a neutral venue. Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who captained the team in place of Dara O’Shea, did not shake hands with Israel captain Dor Peretz, mirroring O’Shea's refusal to shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon in the previous match.
In the match, Troy Parrott scored a penalty for Ireland in the 39th minute, giving them a 1-0 lead at halftime. Peretz later equalized for Israel shortly after the second half began. The match was moved to a neutral location due to calls for a boycott related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) stated the decision was made for operational reasons.
The FAI faced pressure from Irish sportspeople and the public to reconsider the matches, with over 160 athletes signing an open letter urging a boycott. Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson acknowledged the growing pressure on the players. Only reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted out of both matches, citing his personal beliefs against violence.
Protests occurred outside the team hotel in Dublin, and demonstrators displayed messages urging the players to act according to their conscience. The FAI defended its decision, stating that UEFA could impose sanctions on the team. Ireland is set to co-host the 2028 European Championship.
During the previous match against Austria, protesters threw tennis balls with Palestinian flags onto the field. An Israeli journalist's claim that Irish players had used derogatory language was denied by an Irish communications officer. Coverage of the matches by Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ was limited, and the organization announced a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation.