Off the PitchThe GuardianUnverified source· 28 Sept 2026
Solomon: Israel '10 times better' than Ireland
Israel's captain hit out at Ireland's pre-match protest, claiming his country is far superior and the feeling is mutual.
M. Solomon
player
Who
Manor Solomon
What
Reacted to Ireland's protest
When
Before Nations League match
Where
Nations League match
What happened. Manor Solomon said Israel is '10 times better' than Ireland and that 'they hate us and we don't like them' after Ireland's players protested before their Nations League match. Ireland's players stared at the ground during Israel's anthem, looked away and refused to shake hands or exchange pennants over Israeli military actions in Gaza.
- Ireland's players stared at the ground during Israel's anthem and staff faced away.
- Ireland refused to shake hands or exchange pennants with Israel.
- The protest was over Israeli military actions in Gaza.
“They hate us and we don't like them.”
— Manor Solomon
The fallout from the Nations League match continues as both sides trade barbs over the pre-match protest.
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