Lorraine Courtney: If Ireland v Israel goes ahead, it will be the young men in green who will bear the moral fallout – that is deeply unfairUpcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures between the international sides are an abdication of Ireland’s moral outrageIrish supporters display a ‘Show Israel the red card’ banner before kick off in the Republic of Ireland v Hungary World Cup qualifier in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium last September. Photo: GettyLorraine Courtney Today at 06:30They say sport and politics don’t mix. Last week’s draw placing Ireland alongside the Israel national football team in the UEFA Nations League has been greeted with a shrug from officialdom.

Source: Irish Independent February 18, 2026 14:32 UTC