Why Are Republic of Ireland Players Wearing Black Armband

Why Are Republic of Ireland Players Wearing Black Armband Against Israel?

Anuj T

Published - Sep 27, 2026, 02:39 PM

3 min

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Why Are Republic of Ireland Players Wearing Black Armband Against Israel?

Summary

Republic of Ireland national football team players are reportedly going to be wearing black armbands during their game against Israel in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.
The Irish players are going to be doning the armbands as a sign of solidarity with the people of Gaza, who lost their lives during the Israel-Gaza war.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has also refused from playing the contest against Israel citing personal beliefs about killing of innocent human beings.

A strong response has emanated from Republic of Ireland national football team and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash against Israel on Sunday. The Irish contingent has collectively decided to don black armbands in support of people in Gaza, who suffered grave loss of life and belonging during the Israel-Gaza war.

In addition to this display of solidarity, starting goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has announced that he will not be playing against Israel in the upcoming Group 3 matchweek 2 clash. The former Southampton goalkeeper has cited personal beliefs about killing of innocent human beings as his reasons for opting out.

Fans wondering why are Republic of Ireland players wearing black armband can now understand their reasons. While no official statement has been made by head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson about Republic of Ireland players wearing black armband, it indeed adds more needle to the proceedings inside Nagyerdei Stadion.

Why Gavin Bazunu Is Not Playing Against Israel?

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has also released a statement on social media explaining his reasons for opting out of the game against Israel. Fans can check out the full statement here to find out why Gavin Bazunu is not playing today:

"Representing my country means everything to me. I have the utmost respect for every single one of my team mates, the Manager, his staff and the Irish people.
However I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly. I am a man of strong faith and try my best to be a person of character and principle therefore I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel.
My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.
It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region.
There are few times where you get a chance in life to stand up for something bigger and I strongly believe that this is one of them," the statement read.