Israel v Republic of Ireland in Nations League: No handshakes between players before fixture

The Republic of Ireland players bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said his players "raised awareness worldwide" after they chose not to engage in pre-match formalities with Israel.

There was also no exchange of pennants between Republic of Ireland captain Dara O'Shea and Israel skipper Manor Solomon, who did not shake hands.

The Republic of Ireland players have faced calls to withdraw from the games because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war with a "Stop The Game" campaign - organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine - gathering pace.

"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.

The Republic of Ireland players voted to fulfil the fixture during a lengthy meeting at the team's hotel in Debrecen on Saturday.

The Irish players wore black armbands, which Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell said on Saturday was a gesture "in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict".

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The Republic of Ireland players were jeered by the small number of Israel fans in attendance when they emerged for their pre-game warm-up.

Hallgrimsson confirmed Bazunu would be included in the squad for Thursday's game against Austria in Dublin, but not for the second match against Israel.

"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."

"This team selection was about who we thought could make the best performance for Ireland."