The Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in their controversial Nations League fixture in Debrecen, Hungary, after a build-up marked by protests over the anthem and a refusal to shake hands.
Troy Parrott opened the scoring and Adam Idah doubled their advantage before Jack Moylan added a third, ensuring the Republic were three goals ahead within the first 25 minutes at the Nagyerdei Stadium, where about 150 Israel supporters were in attendance for their 'home' fixture.
Players protest during anthem
Republic players bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem and did not pose for the customary pre-match photo and pennant exchange. They wore black armbands, which were described by Football Association of Ireland chief David Courell as being "in recognition of all the lives lost in the conflict", referring to the Israel-Hamas war.
Republic captain Dara O'Shea did not exchange handshakes with his Israel counterpart Manor Solomon, but did shake hands with the officials. Moylan celebrated his goal by kissing and raising his black armband before kissing his badge.
Decision to play
The match was subject to an acrimonious build-up, with the contest itself hanging in the balance. Republic players initially met in Pristina on Friday to discuss their feelings about fulfilling the tie. On Saturday morning, the team postponed a scheduled press conference and training session.
The team were holed up in their hotel in an emergency four-hour summit that ultimately resulted in a vote to play, decided by what was described as a "significant majority" by Courell. He also revealed that a player had told manager Heimir Hallgrimsson of his discomfort in fulfilling the Israel fixtures, triggering the meeting.
That player, Bolton keeper Gavin Bazunu, later posted a statement on Instagram confirming he had reached a decision that it would be "wrong" to participate. Bazunu remained in camp on Sunday but did not travel to the stadium with the squad.
Match details
Per UEFA rules, teams must have three goalkeepers in the registered squad, so QPR defender Jimmy Dunne was named in Hallgrimsson's side as the third shot-stopper in place of Bazunu. Hallgrimsson made five changes from Thursday's 1-0 loss to Kosovo and handed a debut to Sheffield United defender Liam Kitching.
There was an early attempt for the Irish via Jayson Molumby, who hit it over the crossbar, before Parrott opened the scoring in the 13th minute. The Republic doubled their lead three minutes later when Moylan slipped Idah through, and the Swansea forward found the back of the net from the right of the penalty spot. Moylan then made it three, collecting the ball in midfield before bursting forward unchallenged and firing into the far bottom corner from the edge of the six-yard box.
Republic keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was called into action a handful of times in the second half but was never truly troubled.
