Debrecen:Republic of Ireland football players, facing the Israeli team in a UEFA Nations League match on Sunday, wore black armbands and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the Irish players refused to shake hands with the Israeli team at the start of the game. The match, held in Debrecen, Hungary, saw Ireland's captain Dara O'Shea also opting not to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart, although he did greet the match officials.

The decision to play followed several days of discussion and disagreement within the Irish squad. The players held a lengthy meeting and ultimately decided to proceed with the match to avoid a 3-0 forfeit defeat, choosing instead to express their protest symbolically.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu announced his withdrawal from the national squad on Saturday, citing his personal beliefs and stating that participating in the match was the wrong decision.

Ireland emerged victorious in the match, defeating Israel 3-0.