Ireland decision pending on proposed second Israel match

Ireland had not decided by September 29 whether to play a proposed second Nations League match against Israel, after the teams met in Debrecen, Hungary, two days earlier amid debate over the fixture. Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said the team would discuss the matter after its match against Austria; the later fixture was planned for Backa Topola, Serbia. The September 27 match was played at a neutral venue because Israel’s home games were being held outside the country. Ireland’s decision on the proposed return fixture remained unresolved in the latest account, and the supplied information does not establish whether it was ultimately played. The first match drew scrutiny beyond the pitch. Gavin Bazunu, an Ireland goalkeeper, made himself unavailable for the Israel fixtures on ethical grounds, according to the September 29 report. In an attributed statement, Bazunu said his position reflected his belief that killing innocent people was wrong, and stressed that it was not directed against Israeli people or the Jewish community. Hallgrimsson said Ireland’s players had differing views and were uncomfortable with the situation.