Israel soccer players wore a black armband in remembrance of the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack victims on Sunday as they took on Ireland in a Nations League match.
The armbands read, “7.10,” signifying the date of Hamas’ terror attack, which left more than 1,000 Israelis dead. The Israel Football Association announced before the match that UEFA approved the armbands.
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Israel’s Dor Peretz and Ireland’s Jayson Molumby fight for the ball during a UEFA Nations League match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
“@UEFA has approved the Israel Football Association’s request for the national team to wear black armbands in tonight’s match against @IrelandFootball in memory of those murdered in the October 7 massacre,” the organization wrote on X.
“May their memory be a blessing.”
The second match between Israel and Ireland occurred amid heightened tension between the two nations. Ireland’s soccer team has faced pressure to boycott matches against Israel over the country’s response to Hamas’ terror attack. Ireland has been in staunch support of Palestinians with the soccer association going as far as putting forth a motion to bar Israel from club and international competitions.
Still, Ireland soccer has resisted match boycotts over fear of sanctions from UEFA. Ireland and Israel faced each other in the Nations League in September and Irish players refused to shake hands with their Israeli opponents and wore black armbands in protest.
Israel’s Eliel Peretz passes the ball in front of Ireland’s Jack Moylan during a UEFA Nations League soccer match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
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On Sunday, Irish players did it again. Players refused to shake hands with the Israeli team and wore black armbands in protest.
Before the second match took place, Israeli journalists clashed with Ireland soccer’s communications manager Kieran Crowley.
Crowley tried to limit a pre-match press conference with the media to soccer questions. But he took exception to a question about racism allegations against Irish soccer players.
“That’s completely untrue,” Crowley shouted back.
Israel’s Eliel Peretz guards Ireland’s Adam Idah during a UEFA Nations League soccer match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
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The press conference ended shortly afterward.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.