'A chance to stand up for something bigger': Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu will not play against Israel

“There are a few times where you get a chance in life to stand up for something bigger, and I strongly believe that this is one of them.”

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. 

Bolton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has confirmed he has refused to participate in the Republic of Ireland’s controversial Nations League fixtures with Israel as a matter of “principle”.

The sides are still set to face one another at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday in front of a limited number of Israel fans for the Israelis’ “home” clash after Republic players voted to honour the fixture following a four-hour summit at the team hotel on Saturday.