Solomon warns of UEFA ban risk after Israel's 3-0 Nations League defeat to Ireland

Israel captain Manor Solomon has admitted he is holding back his genuine thoughts on the Republic of Ireland squad, warning that speaking freely would probably earn him a multi-game UEFA ban, after his side were beaten 3-0 in their Nations League fixture in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday.

Ireland dominated from the first whistle, building a three-goal lead inside 25 minutes. The match was played at a neutral venue following security concerns, and it was preceded by a series of charged moments: the Ireland squad bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, declined the traditional pre-match handshakes, and wore black armbands in recognition of lives lost in the Gaza conflict. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had already withdrawn from the squad ahead of the game. Ireland captain Dara O’Shea also chose not to shake hands with Solomon at the coin toss, and when Jack Moylan scored, he removed his armband, kissed it, and held it aloft before kissing his country’s badge.

Speaking after the final whistle, Solomon did not hide his frustration. “They said nonsense to us during the game, I don’t want to talk about them,” the 27-year-old Fulham forward said. “If I say what I think about them, I’ll probably be banned for a few games so I don’t want to say. Of course they hate us and we don’t like them.”

Solomon was also pointed in his response to the pre-match gestures. “What they did with the anthem? I’m not interested in them. We have a country that is 10 times better than theirs, stronger, an amazing country with amazing people. We are proud to wear the national team’s shirt and be Israelis. We are proud of our country and our soldiers. They can play all their tricks.”

Despite the heavy defeat, Solomon insisted the Nations League campaign is far from over, with four games remaining. The two sides are scheduled to meet again in a behind-closed-doors fixture in Serbia next week. “I’m already looking forward to the next game against them, it’s going to be completely different,” he said. “I believe in ourselves that we can do it. I know who I’m with here, I know the players and the team — we will get out of this and get revenge for this.”

On the performance itself, Solomon was blunt. “We have no words, we are all heartbroken. We knew how important this game is to us and to our entire country. We started in the worst possible way, a terrible first half, and then it was very difficult to come back. We need to look at ourselves, each one in the mirror.”