'I'm a man of strong faith,' says Irish goalkeeper after withdrawing from Israel match Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the team’s Nations League match against Israel, saying his decision was based on his opposition to the killing of civilians. “My decision is based purely on the belief the killing of innocent people is wrong,” Bazunu said in a statement posted on social media. “Representing my country means everything to me,” Bazunu wrote. “I am a man of strong faith and try my best to be a person of morals and principles, therefore I feel that participating in the upcoming matches against Israel would be wrong.” He added: “There are times when you have the opportunity to stand for a greater cause, and I strongly believe this is one of those moments.” The Republic of Ireland will nevertheless play Israel in Sunday's Uefa Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, after the squad voted by a significant majority to proceed with the fixture, Football Association of Ireland CEO David Courell said Saturday. The vote followed several hours of discussions at the team hotel over whether to boycott the game. Ireland will wear black armbands during the match and will not shake hands with the Israeli players before kickoff, according to the report.
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the team’s Nations League match against Israel, saying his decision was based on his opposition to the killing of civilians.
“My decision is based purely on the belief the killing of innocent people is wrong,” Bazunu said in a statement posted on social media.
“Representing my country means everything to me,” Bazunu wrote. “I am a man of strong faith and try my best to be a person of morals and principles, therefore I feel that participating in the upcoming matches against Israel would be wrong.”
He added: “There are times when you have the opportunity to stand for a greater cause, and I strongly believe this is one of those moments.”
The Republic of Ireland will nevertheless play Israel in Sunday's Uefa Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, after the squad voted by a significant majority to proceed with the fixture, Football Association of Ireland CEO David Courell said Saturday.
The vote followed several hours of discussions at the team hotel over whether to boycott the game.
Ireland will wear black armbands during the match and will not shake hands with the Israeli players before kickoff, according to the report.