Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu refuses to play Israel fixture on principle

Bolton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has confirmed he will not take part in the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League match against Israel, citing personal principle.

The two sides are still scheduled to meet at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, with a limited number of Israeli supporters permitted for the “home” clash.

FAI officials said a player – understood to be Bazunu – informed head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson on Saturday morning of his intent to withdraw after expressing discomfort with the fixture. The decision followed a four‑hour emergency meeting at the team hotel, where Republic players voted to honour the match.

In an Instagram post Bazunu wrote that representing his country means everything to him, but his strong faith and sense of character compel him to refuse participation, stating his stance is against the killing of innocent people, not the Israeli people or the Jewish community.

Ireland’s next fixtures are a home game against Austria in Dublin on Thursday, followed by a second “home” match against Israel behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, on the subsequent Sunday.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Boris Hamer / Pexels.