Ireland Soccer Players Protest During Israeli National Anthem
Ireland soccer players wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem as a protest before their Nations League soccer match against Israel in Serbia, which concluded in a 1-1 draw.
Wilkes Barre Scranton Hazleton, PA, October 4, 2026 — Ireland’s national soccer team made a statement prior to their Nations League match against Israel, with players wearing black armbands and bowing their heads during the Israeli national anthem. This gesture served as a protest before the game commenced.
The incident occurred in Serbia, the neutral venue for the Nations League fixture between Ireland and Israel. The match itself concluded with a 1-1 draw.
The specific reasons for the players’ protest were not detailed in the information provided, but the action was observed as a moment of solemnity and dissent. The players maintained this stance throughout the playing of the Israeli anthem.
Following the anthem, the game proceeded. The Nations League match ended in a tie, with both teams scoring one goal each. Further details regarding the context or any official statements concerning the protest were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.2822news.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
