Ireland players consider boycotting match against Israel
A day before the Nations League match between Israel and Ireland, Irish players are angry with the Irish Football Association and plan a protest: no handshakes, forfeiting match bonuses, and a public statement. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has officially announced he will boycott the match. The press conference and training session were postponed, and UEFA is expected to fine the Irish.
A day before the Nations League match between the Israel national team and the Ireland national team, tensions are rising. Irish players are angry with the Football Association of Ireland, which they say has abandoned them in a sensitive situation. Journalist David Sneyd reported that the players are planning a unified statement including a message to the association, and that some considered boycotting the match but it will go ahead as scheduled. At least five players do not want to appear, and the rest intend to protest by not shaking hands. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who played with Daniel Peretz at Southampton, has officially announced he will boycott the match in protest of what he called "genocide." One player harshly criticized the association: "Threw us under the bus." The press conference and final training session were postponed without prior notice, and UEFA is expected to fine the Irish.