Manor Solomon, the captain of the Israeli national team, escalated the verbal tension following the confrontation between his country and Ireland in the European Nations League, stressing that Israel is “ten times better” than Ireland.
The roots of the crisis go back to before the start of the match, which was held on neutral ground in the Hungarian city of Debrecen and ended in favor of Ireland with a score of 3-0. The protocol ceremony witnessed the Irish players remaining silent and directing their eyes to the ground during the playing of the Israeli national anthem, while the technical staff turned their backs to the field. The Irish players also refrained from shaking hands with their competitors and exchanging flags, in protest against the ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.
In statements he made to the Israeli “Sport 5” channel, Solomon, a professional with the English club West Ham, said: “If I said what I think about them, I would probably be suspended for several matches,” adding: “It is clear that they hate us and we do not like them.”
The captain of the Israeli national team commented on the actions of the opponent’s players, saying: “I don’t care. We have a country that is ten times better than their country and stronger than it. We have a wonderful country and wonderful people.”
Solomon concluded his speech by emphasizing his team’s pride in belonging, saying: “We are proud to wear the national team’s shirt and to be Israeli, and proud of our country and our soldiers. They can do what they want, but we love our country and it will always remain that way.”
It is noteworthy that the return match between the two teams is scheduled to be held next Sunday in Serbia, as their matches continue to be held outside their stadiums.
