Israel captain Manor Solomon unloads on Republic of Ireland in astonishing interview after controversial loss

Israel captain Manor Solomon laid into the Republic of Ireland in an astonishing interview after a hugely controversial fixture.

Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday night after strong calls for the game to be boycotted.

Late on, it emerged that goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had decided to boycott the game. In an official statement, he said he made the decision due to “atrocities in the region” as he stated his "personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong". Ireland's players wore black armbands for the fixture, with goalscorer Jack Moylan kissing it after scoring the third goal.

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Manor Solomon slams Republic of Ireland players after controversial fixture

There were no pre-match handshakes and Ireland players bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem as a protest against the conflict in Gaza.

Solomon captained Israel but he and opposite number Dara O'Shea did not shake hands or exchange pennants following the coin toss.

Afterwards, Solomon slammed Ireland in an interview where he said he risked a ban if he said what he really thinks. It was reported that he was involved in a fiery exchange with Everton's Jake O'Brien following the Nations League game.

"They said nonsense during the game, I don't want to comment on them," the West Ham player said, speaking to Israeli TV.

"If I say what I think about them I'll probably be banned for a few games so I don't want to say, of course they hate us and we don't like them.

"I'm already looking forward to the next game against them, it's going to be completely different.

"What they did with the anthem? I'm not interested in them, we have a country that is ten times better than theirs, stronger, an amazing country with amazing people, proud to wear the national "team's uniform and be Israelis.

"I am proud of our country and our soldiers, they can do any number of things. We are Israelis and love the country, winning is what it will be."

Republic of Ireland manager confirms why player with Israeli heritage didn't play in game

The storm at the Nagyerdei Stadion created a particularly different statement for Southampton's Finn Azaz, who has played 15 times for the Republic of Ireland but has Israeli heritage through his mother.

Azaz went on record to say that his grandmother "was in the Israeli army as a general" and was very much eligible for Israel before choosing Ireland because his father is from Cork.

One report from the The42 claimed that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) feel Azaz could retire from the national team as a result of the situation.

Another report said he gave an "impassioned speech". Azaz remained an unused substitute for the game but manager Heimir Hallgrimsson explained afterwards he was not fit.

"I thought he wasn’t ready to play, he wanted to play but it was my decision, he was not fit enough to play," he stated.

“Obviously Finn is in a different position to other players in our squad. We have supported him along the way.”

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