Brief

Ireland captain Dara O’Shea refuses handshake with Israel’s Manor Solomon

The gesture, coupled with black armbands and lowered heads during Israel’s anthem, followed a player vote to play the game after a boycott campaign.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:36:21 GMT

In Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, Republic of Ireland captain Dara O’Shea declined to shake hands with Israel captain Manor Solomon before a UEFA Nations League clash, a move that echoed the growing boycott debate over the Israel‑Gaza conflict. O’Shea shook hands with match officials but kept his hands behind his back when he approached Solomon, then walked away without eye contact.

The Irish side also wore black armbands and lowered their heads during Israel’s national anthem, signalling protest. The gesture came after a player vote that confirmed the team would play the match, following a delayed press conference and a boycott campaign led by Irish Sport for Palestine.

Gavin Bazunu, Ireland’s first‑choice goalkeeper, had withdrawn from the squad citing his personal beliefs about the loss of innocent lives. The Football Association of Ireland named defender Jimmy Dunne as a goalkeeper for the fixture.

Israel’s captain, a forward for West Ham United, had scored twice in nine appearances for the club before the international break. The match ended 3‑0 in favour of Ireland, with Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan scoring in the first half.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again on 4 October in Serbia, with that match set to be played behind closed doors.

Key facts

Dara O’Shea refused to shake hands with Manor Solomon before the match (gulfnews.com)
Ireland wore black armbands and lowered heads during Israel’s anthem (gulfnews.com)
Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad citing personal beliefs (gulfnews.com)
Jimmy Dunne was named as goalkeeper after Bazunu’s withdrawal (gulfnews.com)
Ireland won 3‑0 with goals from Parrott, Idah and Moylan (gulfnews.com)