Israel captain stokes feud by saying ‘our country is 10 times better than Ireland’

Manor Solomon has reacted angrily to the Republic of Ireland team’s behaviour before their Nations League match in protest at Israel’s military action in Gaza

Manor Solomon claimed Israel was “10 times better” than Ireland as fallout intensified from their Nations League match and stated bluntly: “They hate us and we don’t like them.”

Players in the Republic of Ireland side stared at the ground during Israel’s anthem and their staff faced away from the pitch. Ireland’s players also chose not to shake hands or exchange pennants with their opponents in protest at Israeli military actions in Gaza which have killed tens of thousands of people.

Solomon, who plays for West Ham, told Israel’s Sport 5 channel: “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.”

Ireland won the game 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday and the return next Sunday will also be played on neutral territory, in Serbia. “I’m already looking forward to the next game against them,” Solomon, Israel’s captain, said.

Pressed on Ireland’s behaviour during Israel’s anthem, he said: “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.”