Debrecen (Hungary) (AFP) – Ireland beats Israel 3-0 amid a tense and sombre atmosphere at a Nations League match in Hungary. Irish players refused to shake the Israeli team’s hands and wore black armbands in a show of solidarity with Gaza. “The purpose of the protest is to raise awareness,” says Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. The situation has drawn criticism for some Israeli fans, who feel that “politics and sports need to be separated”. The match was held in Hungary, a “neutral” venue, after Ireland refused to host the Israeli team.
