Why Ireland players wear black armbands against Israel after vote
Why Ireland wear black armbands against Israel after vote

The Republic of Ireland will wear black armbands in their UEFA Nations League match against Israel on Sunday evening, in recognition of lives lost in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The fixture takes place at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, kicking off at 7.45pm BST.

Player vote on the match

Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell confirmed that players voted on whether to boycott the match, with a "significant majority" in favour of playing.

Courell also told the media that Ireland players will make further gestures ahead of Sunday's match in Hungary, as well as their return 'home' fixture against Israel in a week's time.

Gavin Bazunu withdrawn

The FAI has stated that Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the fixture, with the goalkeeper releasing a statement on social media.

Reverse fixture in Serbia

The reverse clash between the two nations takes place on Sunday, October 4, at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, and will be played behind closed doors.

Ireland's other Nations League match sees them take on Austria on Thursday, October 1. The nation lost their opening match of the competition 1-0 to Kosovo on Thursday, September 24.