Jakarta, ThedailyID — Republic of Ireland players made a series of gestures before their UEFA Nations League match against Israel on September 27, 2026.
The Irish players wore black armbands before the match. They also declined to shake hands with their Israeli opponents.
ESPN reported the gestures as a show of opposition to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Before kickoff, Ireland’s players lowered their heads and looked at the pitch during Israel’s national anthem. They also kept their hands behind their backs.
Ireland captain Dara O’Shea made a similar gesture during the coin toss. He kept his hands behind his back while the referee conducted the draw.
After the coin toss, O’Shea shook hands with the referee and assistants. He did not shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon.
The match took place at Nagyerdei Stadium in Hungary. Ireland won 3-0 after scoring all three goals in the first half.
Troy Parrott opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Adam Idah then doubled Ireland’s lead three minutes later.
Jack Moylan added Ireland’s third goal in the 25th minute. UEFA confirmed that all three goals came before halftime.
Moylan celebrated his goal by kissing the black armband on his arm. He then kissed the Ireland crest on his jersey.
Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said the match had been difficult because of the controversy surrounding the fixture.
“By playing [against Israel], we made some people unhappy. Others were happy,” Hallgrímsson said after the match.
“I think this win may have pleased everyone, but there will still be people who are angry that we played the match,” he added.
The victory gave Ireland its first win in the 2026/27 Nations League after losing 1-0 to Kosovo in their opening match. UEFA lists Israel and Ireland in Group B3.
The two teams will meet again on October 4. Ireland will serve as the home team, although the match will take place in Backa Topola, Serbia.
