{"id":2166180,"date":"2026-09-27T13:06:31","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T10:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2166180"},"modified":"2026-09-27T13:06:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T10:06:31","slug":"ireland-team-to-wear-black-armbands-as-players-vote-to-go-ahead-with-israel-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2166180","title":{"rendered":"Ireland team to wear black armbands as players vote to go ahead with Israel game"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/94\/55\/1200x675_cmsv2_82db7c0f-9900-5cee-a494-87d0a9692f97-9929455.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2929062-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2929062\" data-cid=\"9929662\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929062-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/96\/62\/189x106_cmsv2_fc4bc3f4-2962-58ca-94e1-df1f70522ff6-9929662.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Yemeni soldiers eat at a military position in the Al-Kadha, in Taiz\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Seven killed, dozens hurt in Saudi airstrike on Yemen market\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928291-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2928291\" data-cid=\"9926150\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928291-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/61\/50\/189x106_cmsv2_a9cb48a1-108a-548c-b41c-d8c953930cdb-9926150.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A grape at the Cognac Pasquet vineyard in Bellevigne, near Cognac, southwestern France, Wednesday, July 23, 2025.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Collateral damage: Cognac pays the price for Europe\u2019s trade wars\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928643-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2928643\" data-cid=\"9927938\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928643-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/79\/38\/189x106_cmsv2_5844e4cd-a301-507d-a587-7f4877b10f53-9927938.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Handout photo provided by the Norwegian EV Association showing electric cars parked outside shops.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why Norwegians are buying more Chinese EVs despite growing scepticism\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928680-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2928680\" data-cid=\"9928172\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928680-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/81\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_b7f77ff5-ff1e-56c9-a184-fd98a675e90f-9928172.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Exercise may help more than common painkillers.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Are you in pain? Exercise may help more than common painkillers\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929062-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2929062\" data-cid=\"9929662\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929062-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/96\/62\/189x106_cmsv2_fc4bc3f4-2962-58ca-94e1-df1f70522ff6-9929662.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Yemeni soldiers eat at a military position in the Al-Kadha, in Taiz\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Seven killed, dozens hurt in Saudi airstrike on Yemen market\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928291-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2928291\" data-cid=\"9926150\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928291-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/61\/50\/189x106_cmsv2_a9cb48a1-108a-548c-b41c-d8c953930cdb-9926150.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A grape at the Cognac Pasquet vineyard in Bellevigne, near Cognac, southwestern France, Wednesday, July 23, 2025.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Collateral damage: Cognac pays the price for Europe\u2019s trade wars\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928643-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2928643\" data-cid=\"9927938\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928643-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/79\/38\/189x106_cmsv2_5844e4cd-a301-507d-a587-7f4877b10f53-9927938.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Handout photo provided by the Norwegian EV Association showing electric cars parked outside shops.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why Norwegians are buying more Chinese EVs despite growing scepticism\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928680-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2928680\" data-cid=\"9928172\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928680-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/81\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_b7f77ff5-ff1e-56c9-a184-fd98a675e90f-9928172.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Exercise may help more than common painkillers.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Are you in pain? Exercise may help more than common painkillers\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Ireland<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Ireland team to wear black armbands as players vote to go ahead with Israel game<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/94\/55\/1536x864_cmsv2_82db7c0f-9900-5cee-a494-87d0a9692f97-9929455.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson ahead of the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 16, 2025.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson ahead of the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 16, 2025.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspNathan Rennolds\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1790514391\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-09-27 15:06:31 +02:00\">27\/09\/2026 &#8211; 15:06 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"15:07\">15:07<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span 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loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The Israeli FA issued a statement commending the FAI and the Irish squad for deciding to go ahead with the match, saying: &#8220;Football has won.&#8221;<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The Republic of Ireland football team are set to don black armbands when they run out to face Israel in Sunday&#8217;s Nations League clash amid calls for a boycott of the fixture over the war in Gaza.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Controversy surrounding the match has snowballed in recent weeks as a &#8220;Stop The Game&#8221; petition organised by the Irish Sport for Palestine group has gathered pace.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking before the game, which is taking place in Hungary, Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell said the players intended to wear black armbands &#8220;in recognition of all lives lost in the conflict&#8221; as he confirmed the match would go ahead following hours of talks and a vote amongst the squad.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And also, there will be elements of the pre-match ceremony that will not be partaken in by the Republic of Ireland,&#8221; he told reporters on Saturday, adding that a &#8220;significant majority&#8221; of players had voted in favour of playing.<\/p>\n<p>In a statement following the announcement, the Israeli FA commended the FAI and the Irish squad on the decision, saying: &#8220;Football has won.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The separation between football and politics must be maintained; any other approach spells chaos and a dangerous slide in a slippery slope, leading to disastrous consequences for the game we all love,&#8221; the statement reads. &#8220;The Irish Football Association and the national team players did the right thing by recognizing this&#8221;.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/94\/55\/808x539_cmsv2_9315c8bf-5363-5986-9fec-d8077b80fcd1-9929455.jpg\" alt=\"Bazunu applauds supporters following the Euro 2024 Group C qualifying soccer match between Ireland and Netherlands at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland.\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Bazunu applauds supporters following the Euro 2024 Group C qualifying soccer match between Ireland and Netherlands at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland.<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">PA Wire<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Bazunu withdraws<\/h2>\n<p>Courell confirmed that one player had &#8220;expressed their discomfort with fulfilling this fixture&#8221; and had &#8220;indicated their intent to withdraw&#8221; from the match against Israel.<\/p>\n<p>Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu announced in a post on Instagram on Saturday that he had refused to play due to his &#8220;personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly,&#8221; he wrote. &#8220;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&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;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,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p>Asked about the impact on his team during the press conference with Courell, Ireland manager Heimir Hallgr\u00edmsson described it as &#8220;a situation you can&#8217;t win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Obviously this affects all of them and like I said just just now, nobody is comfortable at the moment,&#8221; the Icelander said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s a unique and a new balance in the situation that we are trying to tackle the best way we can at the moment,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Israeli PM Netanyahu delivers fiery, defiant speech at UN General Assembly<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Israel denounces &#8216;grotesque absurdity&#8217; of French president&#8217;s remarks on West Bank at UN<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Norway\u2019s Foreign Minister warns Netanyahu\u2019s government driving Israel into a &#8216;very dangerous place&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Israel<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Football<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Sport<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Ireland<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" 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to RAF Fairford,, in Whelford, England, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five arrested following &#8216;major incident&#8217; near RAF base in UK<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2929005-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929005\" data-cid=\"9929459\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929005-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/27\/31\/320x180_cmsv2_1e29541d-9c54-5fb8-b3d5-693f58218af8-9572731.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen at a press conference on the phasing out of Russian fossil fuels, December 2025.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU tells capitals to cut gas demand amid rising supply concerns<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2929001-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929001\" data-cid=\"9929499\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929001-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/94\/54\/320x180_cmsv2_928864be-7344-5891-8362-c83100d7eae9-9929454.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Guard at the Lithuanian border, June 2021\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Poland and Lithuania preparing cross-border evacuation plan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2928893-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928893\" data-cid=\"9929054\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928893-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/90\/50\/320x180_cmsv2_4b3c2439-a73e-5d67-91f5-7be725f59d90-9929050.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Mount Etna erupting, archive image\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Etna erupts again: chaos at Catania airport, risk of higher air fares<br \/>\n  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class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928991-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928991\" data-cid=\"9929407\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928991-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/94\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_3ac55c06-765d-5854-98dd-8912ea25e00a-9929407.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Emergency services at the scene of an incident close to RAF Fairford,, in Whelford, England, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five arrested following &#8216;major incident&#8217; near RAF base in UK<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929005-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929005\" data-cid=\"9929459\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929005-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Etna erupts again: chaos at Catania airport, risk of higher air fares<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925846-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925846\" data-cid=\"9927717\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925846-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/77\/17\/320x180_cmsv2_40691598-1b73-5483-b3bc-a775cdbc41b4-9927717.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People walk past a currency exchange office with an army recruiting billboard calling for a contract for service in the Russian armed forces in Moscow, 14 August, 2023\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How is Russia recruiting Belarusians to fight in the war in Ukraine?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928870-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928870\" data-cid=\"9928977\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fat Bear Week returns as Alaska&#8217;s biggest bears compete for the crown<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2902970-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2902970\" data-cid=\"9805913\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How 21st-century glue is helping to finish Antoni Gaud\u00ed&#8217;s masterpiece<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928759-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928759\" data-cid=\"9928738\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump rejects Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928832-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928832\" data-cid=\"9929105\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oktoberfest halfway through: Is closure of the Wies back on the cards?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928830-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928830\" data-cid=\"9928844\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thousands take to the streets in Madrid over Ceuta migrant crisis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The Republic of Ireland football team are set to don black armbands when they run out to face Israel in Sunday&#8217;s Nations League clash amid calls for a boycott of the fixture over the war in Gaza.Controversy surrounding the match has snowballed in recent weeks as a &#8220;Stop The Game&#8221; petition organised by the Irish Sport for Palestine\u00a0group has gathered pace.Speaking before the game, which is taking place in Hungary, Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell said the players intended to wear black armbands &#8220;in recognition of all lives lost in the conflict&#8221; as he confirmed the match would go ahead following hours of talks and a vote amongst the squad.&#8221;And also, there will be elements of the pre-match ceremony that will not be partaken in by the Republic of Ireland,&#8221; he told reporters on Saturday, adding that a &#8220;significant majority&#8221; of players had voted in favour of playing.In a statement following the announcement, the Israeli FA commended the FAI and the Irish squad on the decision, saying: &#8220;Football has won.&#8221;&#8221;The separation between football and politics must be maintained; any other approach spells chaos and a dangerous slide in a slippery slope, leading to disastrous consequences for the game we all love,&#8221; the statement reads. &#8220;The Irish Football Association and the national team players did the right thing by recognizing this&#8221;.Bazunu withdrawsCourell confirmed that one player had &#8220;expressed their discomfort with fulfilling this fixture&#8221; and had &#8220;indicated their intent to withdraw&#8221; from the match against Israel.Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu announced in a post on Instagram on Saturday that he had refused to play due to his &#8220;personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.&#8221;&#8221;I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly,&#8221; he wrote. &#8220;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&#8221;.&#8221;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,&#8221; he added.Asked about the impact on his team during the press conference with Courell, Ireland manager Heimir Hallgr\u00edmsson described it as &#8220;a situation you can&#8217;t win.&#8221;&#8221;Obviously this affects all of them and like I said just just now, nobody is comfortable at the moment,&#8221; the Icelander said.&#8221;There&#8217;s a unique and a new balance in the situation that we are trying to tackle the best way we can at the moment,&#8221; he added.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/09\/27\/ireland-team-to-wear-black-armbands-as-players-vote-to-go-ahead-with-israel-game&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/94\/55\/1200x675_cmsv2_82db7c0f-9900-5cee-a494-87d0a9692f97-9929455.jpg&#8221;] No Comment Seven killed, dozens hurt in Saudi airstrike on Yemen market Europe News Collateral damage: Cognac pays the price for Europe\u2019s trade wars Economy Why Norwegians are buying more Chinese EVs despite growing scepticism Health news Are you in pain? Exercise may help more than common painkillers No Comment Seven killed, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2166180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2166180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2166180"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2166180\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2166180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2166180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2166180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}