Ireland goalkeeper refuses to play Israel in protest

Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from his country's match against Israel on Sunday, Sept. 27, saying his decision was due to his "personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong."

It wasn't initially clear if the UEFA Nations League match would move forward at all, amid calls from athletes and celebrities in Ireland urging the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to boycott two upcoming matches against Israel.

According to FAI’s chief David Courell, players and the federation engaged in lengthy discussions before ultimately deciding to move forward with the matches.

“What proceeded was another four hours of conversations, predominantly amongst the players themselves, but also at times with the coaching staff and the executive. Ultimately we carried out a vote amongst the squad ... and it was a significant majority that was returned with the intention to continue," Courell said at a press conference on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Courell added that one player refused to participate in the match.

“This morning, a player expressed their discomfort with fulfilling this fixture to the head coach and indicated their intent to withdraw from the squad," Courell said.

That player was ultimately revealed to be Bazunu, a reserve goalkeeper who would later release a statement on Instagram explaining his decision.

“Representing my country means everything to me. I have the utmost respect for every single one of my teammates, the manager, his staff, and the Irish people," the 24-year-old said.

“However, I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly. I am a man of strong faith, and try my best to be a person of character and principle, therefore I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel.

“My decision is based purely on 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.“There are a few times where you get a chance in life to stand up for something bigger, and I strongly believe that this is one of them.”

The lead-up to Sunday's match had already proven controversial after Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said "we're playing against genocide" following his squad announcement earlier this month.

Israel's FA issued a furious response, accusing the Icelandic coach of "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy."

On Saturday, Hallgrimsson was asked at a news conference if he regretted using the word genocide in his remarks.

"I used a strong word definitely and the wrong word for me to use," he said.

"There is a huge support in Europe, with the biggest support in Ireland, for Palestine. There is pressure in Ireland and protests to not play this fixture. I felt that pressure growing day by day and it is almost getting to a breaking limit now.

"By playing we are not accepting or supporting what is happening in Gaza."

Sunday's match will take place in Debrecen, Hungary while a game on Oct. 4 will take place behind closed doors in Bačka Topola, Serbia.

The Football Association of Ireland requested the home match be played in a "neutral venue and behind closed doors" owing to the "operational challenges" of playing Israel on home soil.

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