Manor Solomon has escalated the fallout from Israel’s Nations League meeting with the Republic of Ireland, claiming his country is “10 times better” than Ireland and declaring bluntly: “They hate us and we don’t like them.”
The flashpoint came around Israel’s national anthem. Republic of Ireland players stared at the ground while it was played, and members of their staff turned to face away from the pitch. Ireland’s players also declined to shake hands or exchange pennants with their opponents, a protest against Israeli military actions in Gaza which have killed tens of thousands of people. Ireland captain Dara O’Shea was seen turning away from Solomon before kick-off, and Ireland’s Gavin Bazunu boycotted the match, describing himself as a person of principle.
Solomon, the West Ham winger who captains Israel, addressed the ill-feeling in an interview with Israel’s Sport 5 channel. “If I say what I think about them I’ll probably be banned for a few games, so I don’t want to say what I think about them,” he said. “Obviously they hate us and we don’t like them.”
Ireland won the match 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday. The return fixture next Sunday will also be staged on neutral territory, in Serbia, and Solomon made clear he is already thinking about it. “I’m already looking forward to the next game against them,” he said.
Pressed on Ireland’s conduct during the anthem, Solomon was dismissive. “They don’t interest me,” he said. “We have a country 10 times better than theirs, stronger than theirs. We have an amazing country with amazing people. We’re proud to wear the national team’s uniform and to be Israelis; proud of our country and our soldiers. And they can pull all the stunts they want and do whatever they want. We are Israelis, we love our country, and that’s how it will always be.”