Former Portsmouth and Southampton man boycotting international match 'as a person of principle'
The goalkeeper spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Fratton Park from Manchester City, making 46 appearances
A former Pompey player is refusing to play for the Republic of Ireland this evening in protest over their opposition.
Eire are scheduled to face Israel in Hungary in the Nations League (7.45pm) - but Gavin Bazunu has announced he will not be involved.
The Bolton goalkeeper has pulled out as a protest against Israel’s military actions in Gaza and will not be adding to his 22 caps.
The Republic of Ireland squad had been in discussions whether to fulfil the fixture, with yesterday’s training session delayed by five hours as talks continued.
Yet while they have decided to play the match, Bazunu, who featured for Pompey 46 times in the 2021-22 season, has released a statement explaining why he won’t be participating.
‘The killing of innocent people is wrong’
Bazunu wrote on Instagram: ‘Representing my country means everything to me. I have the utmost respect for every single one of my team mates, the manager, his staff and the Irish people.
‘However I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly. I am a man of strong faith and try my best to be a person of character and principle therefore I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel.
‘My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.
‘It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region.
‘There are a few times where you get a chance in life to stand up for something bigger and I strongly believe that this is one of them.’
As a gesture to those lost in the conflict, the Republic of Ireland players are to wear black armbands in the fixture, while it has been reported there will be no pre-match handshake or exchange of pennants.
Impressive Fratton Park season
Bazunu signed for Pompey in July 2021, with Danny Cowley recruiting him on a season-long loan from Manchester City.
By that stage the 19-year-old was already an international goalkeeper with the Republic of Ireland and being tipped for a hugely-promising future.
Indeed, the youngster enjoyed an impressive season with the Blues, dislodging Alex Bass to become the number one and missing one league game over the duration of the campaign.
Weeks after the culmination of his Fratton Park loan, Manchester City sold Bazunu to Southampton in a £12m deal, where he went on to make 97 appearances.
However, he was sold to Bolton in August for an undisclosed fee and has since made three appearances for the newly-promoted Championship club.