Israel captain Manor Solomon says 'our country is 10 times better than Ireland' in Nations League feud
Israel captain Manor Solomon says 'our country is 10 times better than Ireland' in Nations League feud
The fallout from the Republic of Ireland's Nations League victory over Israel intensified on Sunday night as Israel captain Manor Solomon launched a stinging rebuke of his opponents, claiming his country is “10 times better” than Ireland.
Ireland won the Group-stage clash 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, with the match staged on neutral territory because of the wider political context. In protest at Israeli military actions in Gaza, which have killed tens of thousands of people, Ireland's players stared at the ground during Israel's anthem, their staff turned away from the pitch, and the squad declined to shake hands or exchange pennants with their opponents.
'They hate us and we don't like them'
Speaking to Israel's Sport 5 channel after the match, West Ham's Solomon — who captains his national side — did not hold back when asked about the Irish players' conduct.
“If I say what I think about them I'll probably be banned for a few games, so I don't want to say what I think about them. Obviously they hate us and we don't like them.”
Pressed on Ireland's behaviour during Israel's anthem, the 26-year-old was dismissive of the protest.
“They don't interest me. We have a country 10 times better than theirs, stronger than theirs. We have an amazing country with amazing people.
“We're proud to wear the national team's uniform and to be Israelis; proud of our country and our soldiers. And they can pull all the stunts they want and do whatever they want. We are Israelis, we love our country – and that's how it will always be.”
Return leg set for Serbia
Despite the defeat and the rancour, Solomon made clear he is already looking ahead to the return fixture. The teams meet again next Sunday, once more on neutral territory, this time in Serbia.
“I'm already looking forward to the next game against them,” Solomon said.
The diplomatic and sporting tensions now threaten to overshadow the on-pitch contest when the sides meet again, with both camps trading pointed words rather than handshakes.