Manor Solomon escalates row after Israel's 3-0 Nations League defeat to Ireland

Israel captain Manor Solomon intensified tensions after his side's 3-0 Nations League defeat by the Republic of Ireland in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, saying: "Obviously they hate us and we don’t like them." The remarks have sharpened fallout from the fixture.

Players from the Republic of Ireland 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, spoke to Israel’s Sport 5 channel and said: "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. The return next Sunday will also be played on neutral territory, in Serbia.

Pressed on Ireland’s behaviour during Israel’s anthem, Solomon told Sport 5: "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."

The next confirmed fixture between the two nations is the return match scheduled for next Sunday in Serbia.