Israel sports

It was an evening of remembrance, grief and reflection, but also of community – a recognition that for Hapoel Tel Aviv, the events of October 7 are not something separate from the club’s story.

The investigation follows reports of possible player misconduct during Ireland’s Nations League fixture against Israel, played behind closed doors in Serbia.

“Maccabi deserved to win,” said Jerusalem coach Sasa Obradovic. “While we played well in the first half, in the second half their quality came out.”

The question facing the IFA is no longer simply how Israel can recover from one disappointing defeat. The time for excuses is over. The time for accountability is now.

Jerusalem has assembled the talent, hired an experienced coach, and made its Euroleague ambitions clear. Now it must turn that potential into results.

The small group of Irish supporters cheered on their team, while the much larger and considerably noisier group of Israeli supporters cheered on Israel.

Ireland's players discussed the possibility of staging some form of protest before the match, but Early questioned what such a gesture would mean if they were going to take the field regardless.

Ireland will play Sunday’s Nations League match against Israel following a squad vote, even as goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the team in protest.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is getting ready for the new season with a roster that combines a number of holdovers from last season with a group of newcomers who will look to take the team to the next level.

Ben Shimon said Israel’s objective in the Nations League is clear: challenge for the top two places while recognizing the competition’s importance as a pathway toward the European Championship.