Ireland to play Israel despite anger over Gaza

Players from Ireland's football team voted on Saturday to fulfil a Uefa Nations League tie with Israel despite player unease over the war in Gaza. "We carried out a vote amongst the squad to establish their sentiment on fulfilling the (Israel) fixtures," Football Association of Ireland head David Courell told reporters in Debrecen, Hungary, where the game will take place on Sunday. "It was a significant majority that was returned with the intention to continue," said Courell. "Based on that, the association took the decision on behalf of Irish football that this fixture would continue as we have always intended to fulfil the fixtures," he said. Ireland are scheduled to play two Nations League fixtures against Israel, with the first — officially Israel's home fixture — to be played at the neutral venue in Hungary. Ireland's designated home match on October 4 was moved from Dublin's Aviva Stadium to Backa Topola, Serbia, following concerns over disruption and security. Ireland has long been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, with sympathy often linked to the country's own history of British rule. Dublin formally recognised a Palestinian state in 2024, alongside Spain and Norway, and has repeatedly criticised Israel over the Gaza conflict. Israel strongly rejects allegations its conduct...