Pro-Palestine protesters urge Republic of Ireland to boycott second Israel fixture in Serbia

Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters assembled outside Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Thursday, calling on the Republic of Ireland men’s squad to boycott their second Nations League fixture against Israel, scheduled for Sunday at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia.

The demonstration, organised under the banner of the Stop the Game campaign, took place ahead of Ireland’s separate match against Austria at the same venue. Campaigners gathered from 2pm at a roundabout near Lansdowne Road as supporters made their way into the ground.

The political pressure follows Ireland’s 3-0 victory over Israel last Sunday at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary — a match that was itself the subject of sustained protest. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from that squad on grounds of personal “principle”, a decision that drew praise from demonstrators on Thursday.

“There’s one player who has made the correct moral choice and that’s Gavin Bazunu,” said Emma Browne of Dubs for Palestine, speaking to the Press Association at the rally. “We fully support him and stand behind him.” Browne also noted that Israeli supporters at the first fixture had voiced backing for the Israel Defence Forces, and criticised the Football Association of Ireland for not doing more to support players who had reservations about participating.

Fellow protester Stephen Douglas argued the FAI should be transparent about the consequences of a boycott and questioned why players were reportedly asked to vote twice on whether to take part in the first game. “Playing has put everyone in an uncomfortable position — all the players are uncomfortable, you can tell,” he said. “I think the FAI are uncomfortable. No one is happy.” Douglas suggested Ireland should call UEFA’s bluff by refusing to play.

The FAI had already moved the second fixture away from its originally planned home venue, relocating it to a neutral ground behind closed doors, citing “operational challenges”. That decision has done little to quieten critics, with pro-Palestinian campaigners continuing to press both the association and individual players to withdraw from the tie entirely.