Football NewsThe GuardianUnverified source· 27 Sept 2026
Ireland game goes ahead after players' vote
Ireland's match with Israel in Hungary will be played after the squad stopped short of a boycott.


Rep. Of Ireland
team
Fixture
Israel v Republic of Ireland
Venue
Hungary
Decision
Game goes ahead
Protest
Bazunu refuses to play
What happened. The Israel v Republic of Ireland match in Hungary will go ahead after the Ireland team stopped short of a boycott. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has refused to play in protest at Israel's military action in Gaza.
- England lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley in their Nations League opener.
- Scotland drew 0-0 in Slovenia in Sebastien Pocognoli's first game in charge.
- Wales face Denmark after opening defeat to Portugal.
The match proceeds amid ongoing debate over the fixture and Bazunu's protest.
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