Ireland Beat Israel After Weekend Of Chaos

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The Last Word with Matt Cooper 16 min 2 speakers 8 chapters transcribed just now
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

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How did Ireland beat Israel amid a weekend of controversy?

Matt Cooper 0:40
Where to start with the Republic of Ireland playing Israel last night after all that went on before that UEFA Nations League game. And of course it isn't over yet because there is the potential for protests at the Aviva Stadium this Thursday evening when Ireland play against Austria and then... We're due to play the Israelis again next Sunday, this time out in Serbia at the second game in the Nations League group. We're joined by Fintan Drury, who is the author of Genocide, sponsoring the destruction of Palestine. Fintan also has worked over the years as a sports agent and represented the Republic of Ireland footballers about the 1990 and 1994 Olympics. World Cups. But first, I want to go to Ciarán Cunningham, sports writer for many years with the Irish Daily Star, where the FAI president, Paul Cook, of course, was the chief executive.
Matt Cooper 1:33
He was also then subsequently chief executive at the Business Post before leaving that position. You and I would both know him, Ciarán. You would probably know him better than I do. But what did you make of what he said yesterday, that the FAI has handled all of what's gone over the week well?
Kieran Cunningham 1:53
Yeah, I worked with Paul for about 20 years. I know very well. And he's quite bullish in his opinions and very forthright. And we saw that last night with what he said. I don't think anybody that takes a detached view could take a positive view of how the week went. I really don't. And the fact of the matter, Matt, it's made waves way beyond Ireland and way beyond Israel. Like the last couple of days, I've got either calls or emails from Le Keep in France, the New York Times and Al Jazeera.

Why did Ireland’s match against Israel become an international story?

Kieran Cunningham 2:28
And that's an indication of how this has become a massive story on the global stage. And I think something has started here that won't end after this week. Even though Ireland fulfilled the fixture and will likely fulfill the fixture next Sunday, there was a protest. There was a black armband, which was removed by Jack Moylan after His goal, which he kissed and held towards the Israeli supporters, the bowed heads at the anthem, during the Israeli anthem, which was done very badly with the Israelis. There's reports of racist abuse of Adam Ida that has currently been investigated by the FAI. And there was words between Manor Solomon, the Israeli captain, and Jacob Brine. And one thing, like what happens at the next... See the European Championship draws, Matt.
Kieran Cunningham 3:23
What if Spain are drawn against Israel? Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, has gone on record as saying that Israel should not be part of international sporting competition. Spain, like Ireland, have boycotted the Eurovision because of Israeli participation. Spain took part in that walkout in the UN last week in New York when Benjamin Netanyahu started to speak. That Spain is one of the European countries alongside Ireland that has been most pro-Palestine. And Spain is probably the most powerful country football force on the planet, like the reigning European, the World Championship, and the most prominent Spanish football figure is Pep Guardiola, who's been very vocal in the support of Palestine.

Why did Gavin Bazunu withdraw, and how did the squad respond?

Kieran Cunningham 4:03
So I think you will have other countries looking at what Ireland did, and it will lead to a bit of soul-searching, and it wouldn't be surprised if others follow suit.
Matt Cooper 4:12
OK, but then what about what happened over the weekend, the division between the players, the vote as to whether they should go ahead, the treatment of Gavin Bozunu, the goalkeeper who stood up and said, I will not get involved, although it has been reported that the player who vocally attacked him because of that then subsequently went and apologised to him.

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