Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has claimed that "a lot of lies" were told concerning goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu's decision to withdraw from the Nations League game against Israel last weekend. Hallgrimsson also stated he does not anticipate any issues with Sunday's upcoming match.
Ireland is noted as one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s war in Gaza. Protests advocating for the team to boycott the fixture led Bazunu to pull out of both games scheduled between the two countries.
Last Sunday's match, which Ireland won 3-0, proceeded after a majority of the squad voted to play. Media reports had indicated a fractured squad and that Bazunu had been insulted by teammates over his decision. Hallgrimsson praised Bazunu for his character in returning to the squad, stating, "There’s been a lot of lies said around all of this, but we welcomed him back and he’s taking part."
Bazunu is available for Thursday’s home game against Austria but will not participate in Sunday’s match. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has relocated Sunday's game to Serbia, where it will be played behind closed doors. Further protests are anticipated for Thursday's game against Austria in Dublin.