Former Israeli Soccer Stars Slam Ireland's National Team Over Political Stance

Ahead of a UEFA Nations League match between Israel and Ireland, former Israeli national team captain Tal Ben Haim and reserve soldier and former player Menashe Zalaka strongly criticized the Irish team's recent statements and actions. Both players expressed support for the Israeli team while condemning what they called the Irish team's politicization of the game.

Zalaka addressed comments made by the Irish coach, stating, "We are not playing with genocide, we are playing against genocide." He accused the Irish coach of adopting Hamas's narrative and ignoring the October 7th massacre. Zalaka also criticized the Irish team's announcement to wear black armbands to commemorate victims in Gaza, calling it a "code word for identifying with the Hamas enemy." He emphasized that the match was not just a game but a fight for their home and urged the Israeli team to play with national pride.

Ben Haim echoed these sentiments, calling the Irish team's statements "disgraceful" and accusing the Irish Football Association of disrespecting the sport. He questioned the Irish coach's understanding of the situation in Gaza and criticized Irish players' offers to donate money to Gaza, suggesting it would directly fund Hamas. Ben Haim also sarcastically thanked the Irish players for their decision to play against Israel, stating he would not shake hands with those who support terrorism.

Both players urged the Israeli team to play with pride and fight for their country, dedicating the match to fallen soldiers and victims of the October 7th attacks. Ben Haim stated, "I am ashamed for the Irish national team," and added, "Tonight is not just another game, it is a game for the homeland, a game of truth versus darkness."