The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell has revealed that Ireland players will wear black armbands as they face Israel today in Hungary, according to BBC. This is show recognition “of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict.”
Yesterday, there had been misgivings as to if the country will go ahead with the fixture, as Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson postponed press conference and training. All this was due to the fact that the goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, 24, withdrew yesterday from the squad to face Israel. This seem so to cause a deadlock. Bazunu has gone on to share a statement on Instagram to clarify his stance:
“My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.” He goes on, “It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community bit against the atrocities in the region.”
“There will be elements of the pre-match ceremony not be partaken in by the Republic of Ireland and it is also the intention of the players to make a significant contribution to charitable donation by virtue of both [Israel] match fees and also the fixture against Austria at the Aviva [Stadium in Dublin on Thursday].”
However, after a vote amongst the teammates, the Irish team will go ahead with the face-off. And they will wear the armbands in protest. Courell reveals further (via BBC):
Israel’s Football Association chairman Shlomi Barzel has commended Ireland’s decision to separate the game and politics, saying, “Football has won.”
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