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

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.

That emergency meeting was called after the Football Association of Ireland confirmed one player – now understood to be Bazunu – told head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson of his intent to withdraw from the squad on Saturday morning after expressing discomfort about fulfilling the fixture.

Writing on Instagram, Bazunu said in his statement: “Representing my country means everything to me. I have the utmost respect for every single one of my team-mates, the manager, his staff, and the Irish people.

“However, I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly. I am a man of strong faith, and try my best to be a person of character and principle, therefore I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel.

“My decision is based purely on my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.

“It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community, but against the atrocities in the region.

“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.”

Ireland next travel to Dublin to play Austria on Thursday, then face Israel again on Sunday behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, in their “home” fixture.