Jason Knight opposes Israel fixture as Ireland players prepare for talks

Jason Knight has said the Republic of Ireland’s forthcoming match against Israel should not take place, becoming the first player in the squad to express that position publicly, according to BBC Sport. The Bristol City midfielder spoke after Ireland’s 1-0 defeat by Kosovo in Pristina on Thursday, ahead of planned discussions among the players on Friday.

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Ireland are scheduled to face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, with kick-off set for 19:45 BST. A second meeting is due in Backa Topola, Serbia, on 4 October. The BBC reported that no Irish supporters would attend Sunday’s designated home fixture and that the following match would be played behind closed doors. Knight acknowledged that the first game was still going ahead despite his opposition.

The fixtures have faced growing opposition in Ireland since the teams were drawn together in Group B3. Calls for withdrawal have centred on the ongoing war in Gaza, with the Stop The Game campaign gaining support, the BBC reported. Knight’s comments bring a publicly stated objection from within the playing squad into a debate that has already surrounded both matches.

Before the Kosovo defeat, stand-in captain Dara O’Shea had confirmed that the players would meet on Friday to discuss how to approach Sunday’s game. Knight said conversations had already taken place with teammates, including senior members of the group. He described the planned gathering as an opportunity for a more detailed discussion of the players’ views, their next steps and the possible consequences.

Knight said he had been concentrating on his club football in England’s Championship but had also given thought to the approaching fixtures. He recognised that the issue was receiving considerable attention in Ireland. While describing himself as experienced, the midfielder said the squad had not previously faced this situation and indicated that he would contribute his own perspective to the discussion.

His remarks did not amount to an announcement of a boycott or a collective squad position. In the BBC’s account, the players were still preparing to consider their response together. Knight also said he intended to maintain his focus on football while expressing his views when he felt it appropriate.