Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has pulled out of the Nations League clash with Israel despite his teammates voting to play the controversial fixture. Ireland are due to face Israel in Hungary, with games still unable to be played in Israel due to the geopolitical crisis in the region.
Protests and campaign against the fixture
Protests against the fixture have taken place in Ireland, with pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine organising a "Stop the Game" campaign amid the UN-defined genocide in Gaza. It had been unclear whether Ireland would fulfil the fixture amid the fury, but the Irish FA revealed today they would go ahead after the team voted in favour of playing.
It is understood the players will wear black armbands in solidarity with the Palestinian people, but there has been fury at reports which have suggested they will shake hands with the Israeli players.
Bazunu explains his decision
One player who will be taking no part is keeper Bazunu, who has pulled out of the squad. He posted on Instagram: "Representing my country means everything to me. I have the utmost respect for every single one of my team mates, the manager, his staff and the Irish people."
"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 upon 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 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."
Irish FA confirms vote result
Speaking earlier today, Irish FA CEO David Courell said: "This morning, a player expressed their discomfort with fulfilling this fixture to the head coach and indicated their intent to withdraw from the squad.
"This new variable required time and deliberation for the rest of the squad to consider. There were a lot of positions presented. From an Association perspective and for everyone involved in those conversations, we were fully respectful for everyone's right to have their respective opinion on these topics.
"Ultimately, within the last 90 minutes, we carried out a vote amongst the squad to establish their sentiment on fulfilling the fixtures, and it was a significant majority that was returned with the intention to continue. Based on that, the Association took the decision on behalf of Irish football that this fixture would continue, as we have always intended, to fulfill the fixtures."
