Ireland and Israel draw 1-1 in Nations League match

Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in their second UEFA Nations League match in Backa Topola, Serbia, on Sunday, as Ireland repeated pre-match gestures that included declining the customary captain’s handshake, bowing their heads during Israel’s national anthem and wearing black armbands. Israel’s players also wore black armbands. Ireland captain Caoimhin Kelleher did not shake hands with Israel captain Dor Peretz before kickoff. The action echoed the teams’ first meeting the previous week, when Ireland captain Dara O’Shea did not shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon. Ireland’s players again bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem. The game was played behind closed doors at a neutral venue, although it was Ireland’s designated home fixture. Troy Parrott put Ireland ahead from a penalty in the 39th minute after Peretz fouled Jimmy Dunne, according to the match account. Peretz equalized shortly after the break, scoring from close range in the 47th minute. Ireland had beaten Israel 3-0 in the first match. The teams’ second meeting was their final fixture of the international window, which also included Ireland’s 2-2 draw with Austria.