PALESTINE PROTEST ON THE PITCH FROM IRELAND TO ISRAEL

The UEFA Nations League match played between the Republic of Ireland and Israel on a neutral ground in Hungary takes the world agenda with the political protests experienced rather than the football on the green pitches. A major crisis erupted in the Irish squad before the match. Due to the current events between Palestine and Israel, some players in the Irish team conveyed to the technical committee that they did not want to play the match. As a result of a secret vote held within the team, the majority took the decision to take the pitch, but goalkeeper Bazunu asked for his excuse from his friends and absolutely refused to play in this encounter. The tension also escalates in the ceremony of the match that started eventfully. While the Israeli national anthem played in the stadium, all of the Republic of Ireland players bowed their heads and looked at the ground, and they sent a strong message of support to the Palestinian people. In the struggle on the pitch, the Irish team gave no chances to its rival and left the field victorious with a clear score like 3-0. Parrott opened the goal curtain of the encounter in the 13th minute. Right after, Idah took the stage in the 16th minute and increased the gap to two. Moylan scored the goal that determined the result of the match in the 25th minute. Moylan, who scored the 3rd goal of the Republic of Ireland, kissed the black armband they wore on their arms to commemorate Palestine right after netting the ball. This emotional gesture of the player creates a wide resonance in the international sports press. Football fans welcome this upright stance exhibited by the Irish national team on the neutral ground with a massive support over social media.

IMAGE: GUARDIAN