The match was overshadowed by significant political protests from the Irish squad regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as Manor Solomon raged after the game
Israel captain Manor Solomon has launched a scathing attack on the Republic of Ireland following a highly controversial UEFA Nations League fixture, claiming his country is “ten times better than theirs.”
The West Ham United forward, currently representing his national side, was left furious after Ireland’s 3-0 victory in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday night. The match was overshadowed by significant political protests from the Irish squad regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Before kick-off, the Republic of Ireland players bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem. Tensions were further evident when the customary pre-match formalities were abandoned; Solomon and Ireland captain Dara O’Shea did not shake hands or exchange pennants following the coin toss, and no handshakes took place between the two teams.
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Furthermore, the Irish team wore black armbands in solidarity with the victims of the conflict – a gesture typically forbidden by UEFA – and goalscorer Jack Moylan was seen kissing his armband after netting Ireland’s third goal.
Speaking to Israeli television after the match, a visibly angered Solomon accused the Irish players of hatred and promised retribution when the two sides meet again.
“They said nonsense during the game, I don’t want to comment on them,” Solomon stated. “If I say what I think about them I’ll probably be banned for a few games so I don’t want to say, of course they hate us and we don’t like them. I’m already looking forward to the next game against them, it’s going to be completely different. We will get revenge for this.”
Addressing the Irish team’s decision to bow their heads during the Israeli national anthem, Solomon did not hold back in his assessment of the opposition.
“What they did with the anthem? I’m not interested in them, we have a country that is ten times better than theirs, stronger, an amazing country with amazing people, proud to wear the national team’s uniform and be Israelis,” he continued.
“I am proud of our country and our soldiers, they can do any number of things. We are Israelis and love the country – winning is what it will be.”
The fixture had already been plunged into chaos before a ball was even kicked. The match, which was moved to a neutral venue in Hungary, was the subject of widespread boycott calls. The Republic of Ireland squad reportedly held an intra-squad vote to decide whether to fulfil the fixture, with the majority opting to play.
However, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad at the eleventh hour on moral grounds. In a statement on social media, Bazunu explained: “My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong. It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region.”
Because UEFA rules dictate that a squad must name three goalkeepers, Ireland were forced to exploit a loophole and register centre-back Jimmy Dunne as an emergency third-choice keeper following Bazunu’s departure.
Further complications have also surrounded Southampton midfielder Finn Azaz, an Irish international who qualifies for Israel through his mother. Azaz was an unused substitute during the heated 3-0 victory, with reports suggesting he gave an impassioned speech to the squad before the game and is now weighing up his future in international football.