Ireland’s Caoimhin Kelleher Causes Stir After Incident With Israel Captain

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Brentford and ex-Liverpool ace Caoimhin Kelleher goes viral after Ireland incident with Israel captain.

Ireland has been the centre of controversial discussions during this international break, after they were involved in one of the most politically charged fixtures in international football. Irish players were pressured to boycott their two matches against Israel due to the country's actions in Gaza, with Bolton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu not featuring in the game as he refused to take part.

However, Ireland did play both games, but the position of many was made clear. They didn't want to play the game, refusing to shake hands with the Israeli players before coming out on top in the first game 3-0. And now, in their second game against Israel during the prolonged international break, Caoimhin Kelleher has become the next player to cause a stir.

The moment came at the coin toss during Sunday's clash against Israel. Dara O'Shea had been captain in the first match against Israel, but missed the second due to attending the birth of his child, which meant Brentford ace Kelleher took the armband and led his side out alongside Israel's Captain, Dor Peretz. Before the game, during the coin toss, Kelleher refused to shake hands with Peretz, but still greeted the match officials.

It was a deliberate repeat of what happened previously. O'Shea had shook hands with the referee and his assistants, but did not attempt to shake the hand of Israel captain Manor Solomon. Due to Solomon not being in the starting lineup for this match, Peretz had taken the armband and was met with the same response.

The footage, which can be seen below, has caused quite a stir on social media, with many reacting to the clip with their own opinions.

The gesture wasn't purely from former Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher. Ireland's players and coaches had all bowed their heads while Israel's national anthem played, and the lack of handshakes between the teams came at Ireland's insistence. It suggests a collective team decision rather than an individual stand by the captain of the night.

Israel players also wore black armbands for this fixture, marking the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack.

The handshake refusal was the middle ground chosen by Ireland players instead of cancelling the games altogether, as there were intense calls for the game to be boycotted.

The Republic of Ireland took a significant stand before their Nations League game against Israel.

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