The Republic of Ireland players made a statement by not engaging in pre-match formalities, including not shaking hands with their Israeli counterparts. This decision was made after a lengthy meeting at the team's hotel in Debrecen, where the players voted to fulfil the fixture. The Irish squad also wore black armbands in recognition of all lives lost in the Gaza conflict.
The fixtures between the two teams have been embroiled in controversy since February, with the Republic of Ireland facing calls to withdraw from the games due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. The pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine has been at the forefront of the "Stop The Game" campaign, which has gained pace in recent weeks. The group's open letter, signed by over 160 Irish athletes, urged the team not to play the matches.
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said his players "raised awareness worldwide" after their actions during the match. The coach also confirmed that goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu would be included in the squad for Thursday's game against Austria in Dublin, but not for the second match against Israel. The Republic of Ireland players have faced criticism for their decision to play the match, with the Israel Football Association accusing Hallgrimsson of "ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity".
The Republic of Ireland will face Israel again in the return fixture in the Serbian town of Backa Topola on 4 October.