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Ireland coach confirms Israel return match will go ahead after earlier saying it was undecided

After a 3-0 win over Israel in Hungary, Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson first said the approach to the return game was undecided, then on Wednesday said Ireland will fulfil it on Sunday. Outlets differ on how much they stress public opposition, the Gaza context and the FAI's role.

6 outlets · 2L · 2C · 2R First reported Account updated

Updated (version 4). New coverage since the last version from CNA, Daily Mail, The National. Previously: “Ireland coach says Israel return match will go ahead after earlier saying it was undecided”.

Image: Al Jazeera
Image: CNA
Image: Irish Independent
Image: The National
Image: Daily Mirror
Image: Daily Mail

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The story, neutrally told

Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in a Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday after a turbulent build-up. Players wore black armbands for lives lost in Gaza and bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem, and the teams skipped handshakes and pennant exchanges. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was the only player to opt out, and the squad voted by what FAI chief David Courell called a "significant majority" to play.

After the match, as reported on Tuesday, Hallgrimsson said: “We haven’t decided what we will do 100 percent” about the return game. At a Dublin press conference on Wednesday he said the FAI had said Ireland would play both games and “it is already decided we will fulfil the games”. The return match is on 4 October behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, after the FAI moved it from Dublin citing "operational challenges"; Bazunu stays for Thursday's home game against Austria but will not play against Israel.

Hallgrimsson said "a lot of lies" had been told around Bazunu's withdrawal, after media reports that teammates insulted him, and praised midfielder Finn Azaz, who has Israeli heritage, for his conduct. The Daily Mirror and Daily Mail report that thousands of fans back a boycott, a petition of almost 20,000 signatures, and hundreds of pubs have pledged not to show the game. Al Jazeera adds that Israeli fans were accused of racist chants at Adam Idah, and that Israel rejects allegations of genocide while a UN commission of inquiry found its actions in Gaza constitute genocide.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.

Left2 outlets

Framing
Al Jazeera frames it around Gaza, describing Israel's "genocidal war", public opposition and racist abuse of Idah; the Mirror focuses on boycott and protests.
Emphasis
Public opposition, fan and pub boycotts, UEFA inaction on racist chants, Gaza context.
Leaves out or plays down
Less on the Bazunu 'lies' row and Azaz; the Mirror omits the Gaza death toll and diplomatic background given by the Mail.
Charged language
“Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza”“national outrage”
For example
“despite opposition from the Irish public and a public boycott by a player due to Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza” — Al Jazeera
“That's despite national outrage regarding the fixture as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” — Daily Mirror

Centre2 outlets

Framing
CNA and The National report Hallgrimsson's confirmation and his rebuttal of 'lies' about Bazunu in a squad-management story.
Emphasis
Bazunu's welcome back, Azaz's conduct, Austria game protests and security.
Leaves out or plays down
Little on public boycott numbers, UEFA and racist chants.
Charged language
“lies”
For example
“Ireland are one of Europe's most outspoken critics of Israel's war in Gaza” — CNA
“There were reports that Bolton goalkeeper Bazunu had ​been insulted by teammates over his decision but this has been dismissed as “lies” by Hallgrimsson.” — The National

Right2 outlets

Framing
The Daily Mail leads on confirmation despite boycott calls with wide political background and Israel's 7 October context; the Irish Independent focuses on FAI decisions, player welfare and review of the window.
Emphasis
Hamas-led 7 October attack, Ireland's diplomatic actions, FAI process, Bazunu's and Azaz's conduct.
Leaves out or plays down
The Mail does not mention racist chants at Idah; the Independent text is brief.
Charged language
“Stop The Game”“Hamas-led terrorists”
For example
“has confirmed their second Nations League match against Israel will go ahead this weekend despite calls for a boycott.” — Daily Mail
“said the goalkeeper’s wellbeing was being prioritised” — Irish Independent