Winger Manor Solomon says Israel is “10 times better” than Ireland and praised the country’s soldiers that have committed genocide in Gaza.
Solomon was speaking after the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 win last night in a game played in the neutral venue of Debrecen, Hungary.
The Irish voted to play after a lengthy team meeting in which the players considered boycotting the Nations League fixture in protest at Israel’s actions in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 73,000 people. Israel replied with force after Palestinian group Hamas attacked the country in October 2023, killing around 1,200 people.
An independent UN Commission of Inquiry reported Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip constitute genocide.
Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted out of the fixture but the rest of the squad took part. They made their feelings clear, however, by wearing black armbands, refusing the traditional pre-match handshakes and bowing their heads during the Israeli national anthem.
The game itself resulted in a convincing win for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men thanks to goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan.
We are proud of our state and our soldiers – Solomon
Ireland’s conduct visibly annoyed Israel skipper Solomon and the West Ham winger vowed it would be a different outcome when the teams clash again on Sunday in the Serbian backwater of Backa Topola.
“I’m waiting for the next game against them, it’ll be a completely different game entirely,” he said.
“They [the Irish players] don’t interest me. We have a country 10 times better than theirs, stronger, an amazing country with amazing people.
“We are proud to wear the team shirt and to be Israelis. We are proud of our state and of our soldiers.
“They can play all their tricks. We are Israelis and love the country. And that will always be the case.
“If I say what I think of them [the Irish players], I’d likely be suspended for a few matches.
“Obviously they hate us. We don’t like them.”
It has been difficult for Ireland, says boss Hallgrimsson
Hallgrimsson admitted it had been a difficult week for his players, who will have to endure a similar ordeal in the build-up to the weekend game following Thursday’s clash with Austria in Dublin.
“It has been so difficult for so many players,” Hallgrimsson told broadcaster RTE.
“I hope that will not be in the next game because they have shown support to the protest, they have raised awareness worldwide, not only in Ireland, on the subject and that is normally the reason for protesting, to raise awareness of a situation.
“I think these players have done that with all their actions, with all that they have been saying. No more than Gavin Bazunu, but the others have done it here on the pitch and how they have shown their actions, so I hope people understand that.”
Bazunu will be in contention to play against Austria but then will miss the return clash with Israel.
“I think he is very happy that we have won the game,” said Hallgrimsson.
“Nobody was questioning his decision. It was only the timing that was difficult for us to kind of react to it, but none of us were asking him not to take his stand and now he’s flying back with us on the plane.”
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