An Israeli comedian and social media personality whose X bio describes him as a member of the country’s Office of Digital Defence has faced a backlash after posting a joke about activating pagers in Ireland following Israel’s 3-0 Nations League defeat.
The fixture, played at a neutral venue in Debrecen, Hungary, had already been overshadowed by political tension. After Ireland’s convincing victory, the account posted: “Come on, it’s time to activate the pagers we scattered in Ireland.”
The remark prompted condemnation from football supporters, journalists and other social media users, many of whom believed the account belonged to an actual Israeli government official.
One post claimed the writer was a senior figure in Israel’s Ministry of Defence and compared the comment with pager attacks carried out in Lebanon in 2024. Another accused an Israeli Foreign Ministry official of openly calling for a terrorist attack on Ireland.
The claims about the account-holder’s official status were not established in the material available, although his profile described him as part of the Israeli Office of Digital Defence. Despite the criticism, he later appeared to reinforce the original comment by posting and pinning a further message.
The controversy has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s international sporting fixtures, with tensions between the two footballing nations already high before their scheduled return match.
Ireland players protest before Israel match
Ireland’s players had discussed whether to boycott the fixture, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the match entirely. The remaining squad chose to play but used a series of gestures to signal their opposition.
The Irish team did not take part in the traditional pre-match handshakes with Israel and stood with bowed heads and their hands behind their backs during the Israeli national anthem.
Captain Dara O’Shea also avoided exchanging pennants or shaking hands with Israeli captain Manor Solomon during the coin toss. The Ireland squad wore black armbands as a mark of respect for lives lost in Gaza.
After scoring Ireland’s third goal, Jack Moylan removed his armband, kissed it and raised it aloft. O’Shea had pledged his match earnings to relief efforts in Gaza.
