Gavin Bazunu withdraws from Ireland's Israel games

Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from Ireland’s two Nations League fixtures against Israel, choosing not to participate in protest against the war in Gaza. The goalkeeper made the decision on personal and religious grounds, while stressing that it was not directed at Israeli people or the Jewish community.

Ireland’s players voted to fulfil both matches, leaving Bazunu as the only exception. The first meeting is scheduled for Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, with the return fixture set for October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia. Bazunu said his principles prevented him from taking part in matches linked to a conflict in which innocent people have been killed.

Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson acknowledged that the games created discomfort for many reasons but said the football had prevailed. He also argued that those who sought to intimidate, divide or turn the pitch into a political arena had failed.

The Irish team will wear black armbands on Sunday in recognition of all lives lost in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There will also be no pre-match handshakes or exchange of pennants between the teams.