Irish comedian urges boycott of fixture against Israel over Gaza war

Irish comedian and activist Tadhg Hickey has called for Ireland to boycott an upcoming sporting fixture against Israel, describing playing the match as "playing against genocide" amid the ongoing war in Gaza, according to Anadolu Agency.

Hickey told Anadolu that he believes Ireland should take a stand by withdrawing from the fixture, warning that if his country does not act, the message may not be delivered at all. "If Ireland doesn't take the stand, I worry it won't be taken," he said.

Part of a wider debate

Calls for sporting boycotts of Israeli teams have grown in various countries since the start of the war in Gaza, with athletes, commentators and activists in several nations urging their sports federations to suspend fixtures against Israeli sides. Supporters of such boycotts argue that sporting engagement should not proceed as usual given the conflict, while opponents argue sport should remain separate from political disputes.

Anadolu's report did not specify further comment from Irish sporting authorities on whether the fixture would proceed as scheduled or whether any formal boycott campaign has been launched by governing bodies.

The debate over sporting ties with Israel has featured prominently in discussions across European football and other sports since the escalation of the Gaza war, with different national federations and governments taking varying positions.