Ireland manager criticizes coverage of Bazunu's withdrawal from Israel match

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 2:55 PM

Last updated Sep 30, 2026

Ireland manager criticizes coverage of Bazunu's withdrawal from Israel match

Summary

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has condemned misleading information regarding Gavin Bazunu's withdrawal from the Nations League match against Israel. Bazunu opted out of both planned fixtures amid protests calling for a boycott of the games due to Ireland's stance on Israel's actions in Gaza. Despite this controversy, Hallgrimsson expressed confidence that the upcoming match this Sunday will proceed as scheduled.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Heimir Hallgrimsson claims 'a lot of lies' surround Bazunu's exit.
•Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both Nations League games against Israel.
•Ireland has been vocal against Israel's actions in Gaza.
•Hallgrimsson believes the match on Sunday will not face issues.

Latest Updates

2:55 PMThe Guardian Sport — ‘A lot of lies’: Ireland manager hits out over coverage of Bazunu exit from Israel game

What they're saying

"
Keeper pulled out of both Nations League games Hallgrimsson confident Sunday’s match will go ahead Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has claimed “a lot of lies” were told over keeper Gavin ⁠Bazunu’s decision to withdraw ⁠from the Nations League game against Israel last weekend, and he does not anticipate any problems with Sunday’s match going ahead. Ireland are one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, ⁠and protests calling for the team to boycott the fixture prompted Bazunu to pull out of both games between the two countries. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Reuters

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