Republic of Ireland star set to retire after team's political protest against Israel
A Republic of Ireland star is poised to retire from international duty after his teammates' pre-match protest against Israel.
Heimir Hallgrimsson's side travelled to Debrecen, Hungary to play the Nations League fixture but there were major calls for the Irish players to boycott the game due to the conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza.
The players decided to play the game as scheduled, though goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu announced he would not take part in the fixture as he cited "a personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong" in an Instagram statement.
However, the team still elected to take a stand in other ways. Ireland did not shake hands with any Israel players, with no pennants exchanged between captains.
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When skippers Dara O'Shea and Israel skipper Manor Solomon did the coin toss with officials, no handshake took place.
As confirmed pre-match, Ireland's players wore black armbands in solidarity with victims of the conflict. Such a gesture is normally forbidden by UEFA.
During the national anthem at the Nagyerdei Stadion, Ireland players bowed their heads.
When Jack Moylan scored the third goal for the visitors, he removed his black armband and kissed it.
Republic of Ireland star set to retire after Israel storm
However, the difficult situation involving Finn Azaz came to light. Azaz, who plays his club football for Southampton, is an Irish international and has been capped 15 times.
But he is also of Israeli descent through his mother and once revealed that his grandmother "was in the Israeli army as a general"
David Sneyd of The42 reported that Azaz could call time on his international career.
He reported that the FAI (Football Association of Ireland) believe Azaz may retire from the national team as a result of the storm.
Azaz, who picked Ireland because of his Cork-born father, was a substitute for the game against Israel.
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The Irish Independent reported that he gave an "impassioned speech" prior to the game. Because he was a sub, it is unclear whether he participated in the head-bowing statement.
Ireland take on Israel again in Serbia on 4 October, following a game with Austria on Thursday.
Republic of Ireland forced until unusual move after player boycott
The boycott from Bazunu came at an incredibly late stage and forced Ireland into a rare decision in their squad selection.
UEFA rules stipulate that the squad needed to include three goalkeepers but Bazunu's absence meant they were down to two in Caoimhin Kelleher and Max O'Leary.
That meant Ireland exploited a loophole and listed centre-back Jimmy Dunne as a third goalkeeper.
The 28-year-old has been capped three times by his country, making his senior debut in March 2025.
Topics: Republic of Ireland
Josh Lawless