Ireland versus Israel: Why the FAI will be 'quite happy'

The FAI is “quite happy” following Ireland’s 3-0 victory over Israel this weekend, a football reporter has said.

In ordinary times, a comfortable win over a rival would be a cause for universal celebration among Ireland fans.

However, amid continued anger towards Israel following the killings of tens of thousands of Gaza, many fans wanted the Boys in Green to boycott the game.

The game was held in Hungary and attendance was limited in a stadium that can host some 20,000 people.

Ireland players also marched onto the pitch wearing black armbands, in remembrance of "all lives lost in the conflict". They also bowed their heads during the Israeli National Anthem and declined to shake hands with their opponents.

However, these gestures were insufficient for those who believe the scale of suffering in Palestine means Ireland should boycott all engagement in Israel.

On Newstalk Breakfast , Off The Ball reporter Ben Symes said the FAI President Paul Cook took issue with media coverage of the game at a press conference.

“He immediately lashed out at all of us, the media members,” he recalled.

“He said that he doesn't feel the coverage of this game has been balanced within Ireland.

“He said that he hadn't seen ‘anyone here… decide for playing the game’.

“He said that the FAI, he believes, handled the situation relatively well, considering the circumstances.

“It appears Paul Cook and the FAI board are quite happy with how the week has gone.”

While the players voted by a majority to play the match, it is understood that goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu considered withdrawing.

With another game against Austria on Thursday, Mr Symes said it would be “very interesting to see what the sentiment is towards Gavin Bozunu”.

“But you would imagine the vast majority of the sentiment inside the stadium on Thursday will be in support of him,” he predicted.

Main image: A Republic of Ireland logo. Picture by: Alamy.com.