Republic of Ireland Captain Caoimhín Kelleher Declined Handshake with Israel

The Republic of Ireland women’s football team faced renewed controversy during their UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel in Bačka Topola, Serbia, where captain Caoimhín Kelleher declined to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart Dor Peretz prior to kickoff.

Handshake Refused and Gazances Noted in Serbia

The pre-match protocol in Serbia saw Irish players, coaches, and officials lower their heads while the Israeli national anthem played. Following the anthem, stand-in captain Caoimhín Kelleher—wearing the armband in place of Dara O’Shea—refused to shake hands with Israel captain Dor Peretz, avoiding eye contact entirely and staring at the ground during the pre-match coin toss.

Both encounters drew intense political scrutiny ahead of kickoff following an open letter signed by 160 Irish athletes calling for a complete boycott of the fixtures against Israel.

Gavin Bazunu Withdraws from Squad over Personal Convictions

While the Irish squad ultimately voted to fulfill the fixture obligations, the controversy caused internal division. Reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu chose to withdraw from the selection entirely, citing personal convictions.

I give my best to be a person of character and principles. Therefore, I consider it wrong to participate in the upcoming games against Israel, Bazunu stated regarding his decision to sit out the fixtures.

Teams Wear Armbands to Mourn Victims

Both squads wore black armbands to mark the matches, though with differing contexts acknowledged by the respective federations. Israeli players took to the pitch wearing armbands featuring the inscription “7.10” following approval from European football governing body UEFA, commemorating the victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas and other extremist organizations that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza.

The Irish team similarly wore black armbands, repeating a measure taken during the previous fixture to mourn all lives lost throughout the ongoing Gaza conflict, according to team statements prior to kickoff.

Ireland Beats Israel 3-0 in Nations League

On the pitch, Ireland secured a 3-0 victory built on three early goals. Within League B Group 3—which also includes Austria—Ireland holds one victory after two matches, while Israel sits with two defeats.