Manor Solomon criticises Ireland protest after Nations League defeat

Israel captain Manor Solomon has criticised the Republic of Ireland's players over their protest before Sunday's Nations League match, following his side's 3-0 defeat in Debrecen, Hungary. According to the Guardian, the West Ham player made his comments to Israel's Sport 5 channel as the dispute continued after the game.

Watch the highlights:

Ireland's players looked down during the Israeli national anthem, while members of their staff turned away from the pitch. The players also declined the customary handshakes and exchange of pennants with their opponents. The Guardian reported that those actions were a protest against Israel's military operations in Gaza, where tens of thousands of people have been killed.

Solomon responded by describing hostility between the two sides. He told the broadcaster: “They hate us and we don't like them.” He also said he was holding back from expressing everything he thought about Ireland because he believed doing so could lead to a ban lasting several matches.

Asked specifically about Ireland's conduct during the anthem, Solomon dismissed the protest and argued that Israel was a better and stronger country. His response extended beyond the football result: he spoke about his pride in representing Israel, wearing the national team's kit and supporting his country and its soldiers. He told Sport 5 that the protests by the Irish players would not change his pride in being Israeli or his support for his country.

On the pitch, Ireland had secured a three-goal victory at the neutral venue in Hungary. The pre-match gestures and Solomon's subsequent interview formed a separate part of the aftermath, with the Israel captain directing his criticism at the Irish team's behaviour.

The teams are due to face each other again next Sunday, with that return fixture also taking place outside their home countries, in Serbia. Solomon said he was already looking forward to the rematch. His comments therefore came with another meeting between the same opponents approaching, a week after Ireland's victory in Debrecen.