Irish footballers to wear black armbands in Israel match over Gaza conflict

LONDON: Footballers representing Ireland will wear black armbands during their upcoming match with Israel “in recognition of all lives lost in the (Gaza) conflict,” said Football Association of Ireland CEO David Courell. One player has withdrawn from the Ireland squad ahead of the Nations League match on Sunday in Hungary in protest at the game going ahead. Courell said other “gestures” are planned for a second game against Israel next week, to be played in Serbia. “There will be elements of the