FAI reject allegations that U17s turned back during Israeli national anthem

Association corrects misinformation following resounding victory

The Ireland U17s beat Israel today

Sean O'Connor

The FAI say that a picture alleging that the Ireland women’s U-17 team turned their backs on the Israeli national anthem has been misinterpreted.

And their assertation was also backed tp by Israel coach Michal Ravitz, who was quick to dispel misinformation on social media.

YouTube footage also shows that the Irish did not turn their backs during the Israeli anthem (From 2.48 in clip below).

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The U-17s defeated Israel 3-0 in a Euro 2024 qualifier earlier today, but some Israeli media alleged on social media that Ireland turned their backs on their opponents flag during the national anthem before the fixture in Albania.

But the association have since clarified that the allegations are false and the U-17 side in fact turned around to face the tricolour during Amhrán na bhFiann before kick off.

"The Football Association of Ireland would like to correct a misinterpretation that our Ireland Women's Under 17 team turned their back during the opposition's national anthem ahead of their UEFA Women's Under-17 European Championship fixture with Israel in Tirana today,” said an FAI spokesperson this afternoon.

“Both teams were facing in the same direction during the Israeli national anthem before the Ireland team turned to face the tricolour, as is tradition amongst many Irish teams, for the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann before turning back to conclude the usual pre-match protocols."

Israel U-17 head coach Michal Ravitz also said Ireland turned to face their flag before the game, adding “during our anthem they stood and during their anthem they turned to face their flag which was on the other side of the field, as happens in every game”

After wins over Albania and Israel, the U-17s sit top of Group B6 as they aim to qualify for this summer’s finals in Sweden.