Ireland captain refuses handshake with Israel counterpart
“Ireland captain Dara O'Shea refused to shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon before their UEFA Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, in a moment that went viral on social media. O'Shea sho…”
O'Shea shook hands with match officials but pulled his hand back when he reached Solomon and walked past without making eye contact.
Ireland players also wore black armbands and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem.— Leeds United Ireland (@leeds2023456)September 27, 2026Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu also made himself unavailable for the match, citing his personal position over the loss of innocent lives. The gestures came amid the ongoing war in Gaza and controversy surrounding Israel.
On the field, Ireland secured a 3-0 victory over Israel. The two teams will meet again in Serbia on October 4, with the match to be played behind closed doors.
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