Ireland's 3-0 victory over Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, was accompanied by tensions even after the end of the match, which took place in an unusual atmosphere due to the positions expressed by the Irish side regarding the war in Gaza.
Before the match, the Irish players did not shake hands with their opponents and stood with their heads bowed during the Israeli anthem. The Irish players also wore black armbands.
After the match ended, according to reports published in the British media, there was an argument between Irish defender Jake O'Brien and Israel captain Manor Solomon.
O'Brien allegedly addressed Solomon, saying: "Shame on you for what you're doing in Gaza. You deserve to lose." According to the same reports, Solomon responded: "Come out here, be a man. Don't talk behind the wall."
The Israeli captain then spoke publicly about the atmosphere during the match and the behavior of the Irish players. Solomon said he did not want to comment on everything he thought about them, as he could face suspension.
"Of course they hate us and we don't like them. I can't wait for the next game against them. It will be completely different," Solomon declared.
Asked about the moment when the Irish footballers stood with their heads down during the Israeli anthem, Solomon said he was not interested in their action and spoke in strong tones for his country.
"We are proud to wear the national team jersey and to be Israelis. We are proud of our country and our soldiers," he declared.
Ireland won the match 3–0, with all three goals scored in the first half by Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan.
The match had been marred by controversy for days over the war in Gaza. Ireland had come under pressure to boycott matches against Israel, while the Football Association of Ireland had earlier called for Israel to be suspended from UEFA competitions.
Israel and Ireland will face off again next Sunday in Backa Topola, Serbia, in another match played on neutral ground. Meanwhile, Kosovo will face Israel on Thursday in Debrecen.
