Israel's match in the Nations League was marked by controversy
The Irish refused to shake hands with the Israeli football players and scored three goals in the first half alone.
Israel's Nations League match turned controversial
It was clear from the start that the game would not pass quietly.
Israel – Ireland 0:3
Goals:
Parrott, 13 (0:1). Idah, 16 (0:2). Moylan, 25 (0:3)
Israel: D. Peretz, Shlomo, Stoyanov, Revivo (Feingold, 83), Mizrahi, E. Peretz, Kanichowsky (Azulay, 64), Solomon, Khalaili (Dasa, 76), Gloukh, Turgeman (Toklomati, 64)
Ireland: Kelleher, O'Brien, Kitching, O'Shea, Molumby (Behan, 88), Coventry, Manning, Abankwah (Knight, 69), Idah (Phillips, 69), Moylan (Cannon, 69), Parrott (Vata, 76)
Warnings: Shlomo, 59 - Idah, 59. Coventry, 89
Irish rebellion
The tense atmosphere on the pitch was created long before the referee's whistle signaled the start of the match, when the teams refused the customary handshake. The exchange of pennants between the teams also did not take place.
In addition, the Irish players took to the pitch wearing black armbands, and those in the local football association explained that these armbands were a symbol of remembrance for all Palestinians who died during the military actions in Gaza.
Also, when the Israeli anthem was played, all the Irish players demonstratively bowed their heads. Furthermore, the captains of the two teams, Dara O'Shea and Manor Solomon, did not shake hands either after the coin toss ceremony to determine who would start the game.
With the start of the match, Ireland immediately took control. Before the middle of the first half, the fate of the match was almost decided. The first goal was scored in the 14th minute, and two minutes later the Irish found the net once again. Soon after, the score became a rout, and Ireland went into the break with a three-goal lead.