The FAI came under intense public pressure to boycott the Nations League match with Israel over the country’s conduct of its war in Gaza.
On Saturday, the squad held a vote over whether to play the match. They ultimately decided to go ahead, while wearing black armbands "for all lives lost in the conflict".
The Republic of Ireland and Israel players did not shake hands, and the Irish squad bowed their heads when Israel’s anthem was played before their 3-0 UEFA Nations League win in Hungary.
There was also no exchange of pennants between Republic of Ireland captain Dara O’Shea and Israel skipper Manor Solomon.
Ireland thrashed Israel 3-0 in their contentious Nations League encounter in Debrecen, Hungary.
Troy Parrott broke the deadlock, and Adam Idah extended their lead before Jack Moylan made it three within the opening 25 minutes at the Nagyerdei Stadium, where approximately 150 Israeli fans attended their "home" match.
In a lengthy post on X, Saar referenced the Irish team of 1939 giving the Nazi salute ahead of a match against Germany in Bremen.
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He also referred to Irish neutrality during the Second World War and the condolences offered by then-prime minister Éamon de Valera to the German representative in Dublin following Adolf Hitler’s death.
"Almost 90 years have passed. Ireland’s unique talent for finding itself on the wrong side of history remains intact," he added.
"Back then, they gave the Nazi salute. This time, they stand on the side of Palestinian terrorism."
Ireland’s football team. Giving Nazi salute. Playing Nazi Germany. In 1939.
No wonder they’re having a meltdown having to play some Jews today. pic.twitter.com/gyhOX5jM98
— Josh Howie (@joshxhowie) September 27, 2026
Support for the Palestinian cause remains strong in Ireland, which recognized a Palestinian state in 2024.
The war in Gaza was sparked by the Hamas-led Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,221 people, with a further 251 taken hostage in Gaza.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 73,900 people, according to the Gaza health ministry, which operates under Hamas and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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