Ireland players to discuss Israel fixtures amid boycott calls, says O'Shea

Republic of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea says the national squad will meet on Friday to discuss its approach to the forthcoming fixtures against Israel, amid growing calls for a boycott. BBC Sport reported that the players plan to hold the discussion after Thursday's match against Kosovo, with O'Shea stressing that every member of the squad should be able to express a view.

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The planned meeting follows a protest at Ireland's team hotel in Dublin on Monday and an open letter from the Irish Sport for Palestine Group. More than 160 Irish sportspeople signed the letter, which urged the Football Association of Ireland to withdraw from the Israel matches because of the situation in Gaza. The squad faces two games against Israel during the current international window.

O'Shea said the issue required a proper discussion and that the players should respect one another's opinions. Asked whether a boycott would be considered, he said decisions about the fixtures had been made by the FAI, Uefa and the government, rather than the players. He nevertheless said the squad would talk openly about its feelings and what it believed was right. He did not announce any collective action.

Questions also remain about the players' approach to pre-match formalities. When asked about that issue, O'Shea referred to the Friday meeting rather than setting out an agreed position. BBC Sport noted that Ireland's women's basketball team had declined to shake hands with Israel in February 2024 and had stood beside their own bench for the anthem instead of at the centre of the court.

O'Shea, who will captain the football team while Nathan Collins is injured, described the circumstances as difficult and unusual. He said players had tried to limit their use of social media and stay together within the squad. Their immediate preparations remained centred on Kosovo, with the discussion about Israel deliberately scheduled for the following day.

Ireland's first Israel fixture is due to take place on Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary. The second, designated as Ireland's home game, is scheduled for 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia. For now, O'Shea's stated commitment is to a squad-wide conversation: the report does not establish that the players have agreed on a protest or any change to their participation.