Keeper benched by Peretz leads Ireland boycott of Israel

Ireland's national team announced Saturday it will take the field against Israel despite boycott threats, but the country is still consumed by the story behind the protest: at least seven players have declared they will boycott the match, led by goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who last season lost his starting job at Southampton to Daniel Peretz, partner of Israeli singer Noa Kirel.

Bazunu was Southampton's keeper until Peretz arrived last season. The upgrade was so dramatic that Alex Comber, the reporter covering the Saints, said at the time: "The move from Gavin Bazunu to Peretz is probably the biggest upgrade in football history. Like going from Flappy Bird to Mortal Kombat."

From the bench to Bolton (and now leading the boycott)

Bazunu stayed at Southampton through the end of last season, but the club chose to keep the Israeli and release the Irishman to Bolton. Now Bazunu finds himself at the center of another rivalry with the Israeli, though the two will not meet on the pitch, Bazunu has announced he will boycott the match against Israel's national team.

The season is not starting well for the Irish keeper. Bazunu has conceded six goals in just three matches, including a hat-trick in a 2-3 loss to West Ham, where Manor Solomon, another Israel player facing international criticism, scored.

Manor Solomon scores the winner (Photo: Oren Ben Hakoon, Flash90)

Jewish player will participate

Another Irish player who played alongside Peretz last season and remains at Southampton this year is Finn Azaz, who is Jewish and whose mother grew up in Israel. He is expected to participate in the match, unlike Bazunu and the other players who announced the boycott.

Bazunu's decision to lead the boycott comes against a backdrop of broad political pressure in Ireland, where major opposition parties are calling to expand the boycott to other events, including Eurovision and international football matches.