Israel to wear black armbands for Ireland Nations League match in Serbia

Israel players will wear black armbands when they face the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on Sunday, commemorating those killed in the 7 October 2023 attack.

The match is being played behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, despite being designated as an Ireland home fixture. The Israel Football Association received approval from UEFA after submitting a formal request three days before the anniversary.

The Football Association of Ireland moved the game from Dublin, citing “operational challenges” amid a tense atmosphere and protests linked to the war in Gaza and Ireland’s position on the conflict.

The fixture is being played against the backdrop of tensions from the teams’ previous meeting on 28 September. Ireland won that match 3-0, with their players making gestures of solidarity with Palestinians, including wearing black armbands and declining to shake hands with Israel’s players before kick-off.

Video footage circulated on social media also showed Ireland players refusing to shake hands and deliberately lowering their heads during Israel’s national anthem before the match.

The earlier fixture prompted controversy in Ireland. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad, while the players held a vote to decide whether to take part. Some supporters also called for the match to be boycotted.

RTE took an unusual position during its coverage of the previous game. Ireland’s national broadcaster did not provide studio analysis or commentary, and it also chose not to sell or broadcast advertising slots during the coverage.

Israel go into Sunday’s match at the bottom of the group with one point. That was earned from a goalless draw with Kosovo last Thursday.

Austria lead the standings with seven points, while Kosovo and Ireland are second and third respectively, both on four points.

The political tension surrounding Ireland’s fixtures involving Israel was also visible in Dublin on 3 October, when a supporter entered the pitch during Ireland’s match against Austria while carrying a Palestinian flag.