Irish sportspeople urge Republic of Ireland to boycott Israel

Summarised from 4 outlets · 9 reports · Updated 24 Sept, 23:23 · Archive

More than 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter urging the Republic of Ireland men's team to refuse to play Nations League matches against Israel.

More than 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter urging the Republic of Ireland men's team to boycott upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel, citing the conflict in Gaza. The matches are controversial partly because Ireland's 'home' fixture will be played in Serbia. Captain Dara O'Shea said the squad will discuss their approach after Thursday's Kosovo game, with a decision to be made 'as one'. Winger Chiedozie Ogbene urged the public not to pressure players over the boycott campaign. The tension ahead of these matches between two countries not in direct conflict has been described as 'unprecedented'.

How it is being reported

• 'Don't put pressure on us' over Israel games - Republic of Ireland's OgbeneRepublic of Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene urges the public to not "put the pressure on us" over the campaign to boycott the upcoming Nations League games against Israel.BBC Sport · 24 Sept, 23:03
• Why are Ireland vs Israel football matches so controversial?Ireland and Israel will play two football matches despite growing Irish calls for a boycott due to the genocide in Gaza.Al Jazeera · 24 Sept, 15:36
• How Ireland v Israel become the world’s most controversial fixtureThe tension and anger ahead of the Nations League double header is seen as ‘unprecedented’ for a match between two countries not in conflict, reports Miguel Delaney in DublinIndependent Sport · 24 Sept, 06:00
• 'It can't be brushed over' - Republic of Ireland squad to discuss Israel gamesDara O'Shea says the Republic of Ireland squad will wait until after Thursday's Kosovo game before discussing how they approach Sunday's contentious fixture against Israel.BBC News · 23 Sept, 12:20
• Republic of Ireland players to discuss staging protest before playing IsraelCaptain Dara O’Shea said the squad will meet following the match against Kosovo on Thursday and that a decision will be made ‘as one’Independent Sport · 23 Sept, 11:37
• Irish athletes urge men's soccer team to boycott matches against IsraelThe Irish government has been one of the most vocal critics of the Israeli government in recent years over its military action in Gaza.CBS News · 22 Sept, 15:47
• Neutral venues and no 'away' fans - how Israel v Republic of Ireland became so contentiousBBC Sport explores the backdrop to the Republic of Ireland's matches against Israel, amid fraught tensions between the nations.BBC News · 22 Sept, 14:16
• Why are Republic of Ireland playing against Israel?The Republic of Ireland face a double-header against Israel in the Uefa Nations League, with their ‘home’ fixture taking place in Serbia amid calls to boycott the fixtures amid the conflict in GazaIndependent Sport · 22 Sept, 09:40
• Irish sportspeople urge Republic of Ireland to boycott Israel gameMore than 160 Irish sportspeople sign an open letter to urge the Republic of Ireland senior men's team to refuse to participate in their upcoming Nations League games against Israel.BBC Sport · 21 Sept, 18:27

In this story: Republic of Ireland · Israel · Dara O'Shea · Chiedozie Ogbene · Gaza · Serbia · Kosovo

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