[REVISION HISTORY]

Irish boycotts regarding Gaza humanitarian crisis

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2026-10-07 08:48 UTC → 2026-10-11 02:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In Ireland, political and cultural figures are increasingly calling for boycotts of Israeli-related events due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In the cultural sphere, the national broadcaster RTÉ has confirmed it will not participate in or broadcast the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Burgas, Bulgaria, following its absence from the 2026 event in Vienna. RTÉ stated that participation ‘cannot be justified given the appalling and continuous loss of life in Gaza’. This movement has gained international parallels, as a majority of the board of the Icelandic public broadcaster RÚV has expressed support for a similar boycott. Simultaneously, political activists and figures, including TD Ruth Coppinger, have urged the Irish football team to boycott upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel. This movement has gained momentum through the ‘Stop The Game Campaign’, organized by Irish Sport for Palestine. Tensions escalated during a UEFA Nations League fixture in Bačka Topola, Serbia, which was played behind closed doors due to ‘operational challenges’ and security guidance. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, resulting in the elimination of both teams from the competition, with ~~Troy Parrott scoring a penalty for~~ Ireland finishing third and ~~Dor Peretz equalizing for Israel.~~ Israel fourth in Group 3 of League B. Before kickoff, Irish players staged a protest by bowing their heads during the Israeli national anthem and wearing black armbands. The Israeli team also wore black armbands, with UEFA approval, to commemorate the victims of the October 7, 2023, attacks. Following allegations from Irish staff member Damien Doyle, Ireland’s head of athletic performance, that an Israeli player spat at him during the halftime interval, UEFA has launched a formal disciplinary investigation. While Irish head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson confirmed the allegation was made, he noted he did not witness the event personally. An Israeli representative has denied that any spitting occurred.

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