Ireland players refuse handshakes with Israel, bow heads during anthem

Ireland players refused to shake hands with their Israeli counterparts and bowed their heads during Israel’s national anthem before the UEFA Nations League match in Hungary. They also did not exchange pennants with Israel as a protest amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the players' actions drew international attention to the conflict, and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad, citing moral reasons for not participating in the match and the upcoming fixture in Serbia.