Celtic’s Liam Scales implicated in Ireland’s decision to fulfil Israel fixture
Celtic defender Liam Scales has found himself in the middle of a modern football controversy. The issue stems from Ireland’s deeply contentious Nations League meetings with Israel. On Saturday, events took another dramatic turn after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu told his international team-mates he does not want to participate in the fixtures and a vote was believed to be held on whether to fulfil the fixture.
The Irish Times reports that Bazunu made his position clear during squad discussions in Debrecen, with other players understood to have considered following his lead. Saturday’s scheduled press conference and training session were subsequently delayed while discussions continued within the Irish camp.
It was later confirmed that the game would go ahead after a vote was held amongst the players with the majority voting to play the game. This means that Scales will likely be involved against Israel despite the strong feeling from Ireland about the game.
The FAI has already pushed UEFA to take action against Israel and has acknowledged the considerable strength of feeling within Irish football. However, UEFA’s refusal to suspend Israel has left the association facing potentially serious sporting and financial consequences should Ireland unilaterally refuse to fulfil the fixtures.
Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has also spoken forcefully about the situation in Gaza, prompting an angry response from the Israel FA. Meanwhile, more than 160 Irish sportspeople have supported calls for the national team not to play.
The players have voted to play and could receive some backlash for noting supporting their teammate, who voiced his concerns. Given the delays, it is clear that a number of players also felt the same about the fixture but there has only been one withdrawal.
Bazunu subsequently decided that he would be withdrawing from the camp, such was his desire not to face Israel and take a stand against what is happening in Palestine and the West Bank.
Ireland are scheduled to face Israel in Debrecen on Sunday before meeting them again in Serbia on October 4, with the latter fixture moved from Dublin and being staged behind closed doors.
For a country where opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza has become particularly pronounced, Irish football finds itself caught between UEFA obligations and an increasingly powerful demand at home that sporting business should not simply continue as normal.
