During a UEFA Nations League match on Sunday, Israel’s soccer team paid tribute to the victims of the October 7, 2023, terror attack by wearing black armbands. These armbands, inscribed with “7.10,” commemorate the date of the attack by Hamas, which resulted in the death of over 1,000 Israelis. The Israel Football Association received approval from UEFA for this gesture of remembrance.

The match, held in Backa Topola, Serbia, saw Israel’s Dor Peretz and Ireland’s Jayson Molumby competing for the ball. This encounter occurred amid increased tension between Israel and Ireland. The Irish soccer association has faced calls to boycott matches against Israel due to Israel’s actions in response to the Hamas attack. Although Ireland has shown strong support for Palestinians, it has not boycotted matches, fearing UEFA sanctions.

In a prior match in September, Irish players made their stance known by refusing to shake hands with Israeli players and wore black armbands in protest. Similar actions took place again on Sunday. Irish players continued to reject handshakes and wore armbands to signify their protest.

“@UEFA has approved the Israel Football Association’s request for the national team to wear black armbands in tonight’s match against @IrelandFootball in memory of those murdered in the October 7 massacre,” read a statement from the organization on social media.

Tensions were also evident off the field. Before the match, a dispute arose between Israeli journalists and Kieran Crowley, the communications manager for Ireland’s soccer team. Crowley aimed to restrict the press conference to soccer-related topics, but reacted strongly to questions about alleged racism by Irish players, dismissing these claims as false.

The press conference concluded shortly after this clash. The Associated Press collaborated on this report.