![The Flag of Palestine in the crowd during the UEFA Europa League match, round 2 of 8 between Celtic FC and S.C. Braga at Celtic Park, on 2nd October 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. [Mark Runacles - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AA-20251002-39293217-39293209-CELTIC_FC_V_SC_BRAGA_UEFA_EUROPA_LEAGUE.jpg)
More than 160 Irish athletes have signed an open letter calling on Ireland’s national football team to boycott its next two matches against Israel in the UEFA Nations League, the Irish Sport for Palestine group said on Monday. Ireland are due to face Israel in Hungary on 27 September before meeting again in the return match in Serbia on 4 October. Both matches will be played at neutral venues and behind closed doors following protests by players and fans over the number of Palestinian civilians killed during the war in Gaza. According to Irish Sport for Palestine, the signatories include Olympic athlete Ciara Mageean, former footballer Louise Quinn, former rugby player Tony Ward, and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan. […]
