Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has said he will not play in the upcoming fixture against Israel, citing his personal opposition to the killing of innocent people.
The 24-year-old Bolton Wanderers player said the decision had been made after careful consideration, despite Ireland’s players voting for the match to proceed following internal squad discussions.
Gavin Bazunu explains decision to miss Israel fixture
In a statement, Bazunu said representing Ireland remained hugely important to him and stressed his respect for his team-mates, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, the coaching staff and the Irish public.
“However I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly. I am a man of strong faith and try my best to be a person of character and principle therefore I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel,” he said.
“My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.”
Bazunu added that his position was not directed at Israeli people or the Jewish community. “It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region,” he said.
“There are few times where you get a chance in life to stand up for something bigger and I strongly believe that this is one of them.”
Ireland’s away Nations League match against Israel is still scheduled to take place. However, Bazunu’s decision has added tension to the build-up, with reports suggesting that some Ireland players may refuse to shake hands with their Israeli counterparts before kick-off.
Israel’s head of communications, Shlomi Barzel, has also criticised Hallgrimsson, accusing the Ireland manager of ignorance and hypocrisy. Barzel said he would not apologise for those remarks.
