Ex-Celtic hero continues explosive start to the season - but racism allegation 'can't be probed'

Ex-Celtic striker Adam Idah continued his strong start to the season by scoring in the Republic of Ireland’s emphatic 3-0 Nations League win over Israel - but allegations of racism from the stands overshadowed his night of triumph on Sunday night.

The Republic of Ireland strolled to a comfortable victory in Debrecen, Hungary, with Celta Vigo striker Troy Parrott putting the visitors ahead on 13 minutes, before Idah doubled the lead just three minutes later when he connected to Jack Moylan’s through ball and finished into the bottom right corner. Moylan added a third after just 25 minutes.

Idah, who joined Swansea City from Celtic in the summer of 2025 in a reported £6million deal, has enjoyed an excellent start to the new league campaign, scoring three goals and assisting another to help the Welsh side sit top of the EFL Championship after six games. His strike against Israel, though, was his first international goal in over a year.

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Idah celebrates his goal for the Republic of Ireland against Israel on Sunday night. | AFP via Getty Images

However, the game was marred by an allegation of racism directed at Idah by Israeli fans during the clash at the Nagyerdei Stadium - though UEFA have already confirmed they can’t investigate the matter because the correct protocols were not followed, according to the Irish Times.

According to a Football Association of Ireland (FAI) spokesperson, midfielder Jayson Molumby had asked German referee Harms Osmers and the fourth official Florian Exner to “listen” when he heard chants aimed at Idah before half-time. However, the West Bromwich Albion player is said to have “not noted that a racial incident occurred” and following the game, the Irish Times claims the UEFA delegate informed the FAI that an investigation into the matter can’t be opened due to this.

Ahead of the clash, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad, saying he would boycott their Nations League matches against Israel. In a statement released on his social media, he stated that he felt it would be morally wrong to participate, explaining that his stance is based on his personal belief that "the killing of innocent people is wrong" and is a protest against the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. The Bolton Wanderers player added that his decision was a matter of "character and principle".

Bazunu clarified that his boycott is not in opposition to the Israeli people or the Jewish community. While the rest of the Irish squad held an emergency meeting and ultimately voted by a significant majority to fulfil the fixture, Bazunu stood firm on his personal decision to withdraw.

Celtic’s Liam Scales and Hibs striker Owen Elding were both unused substitutes, while St Mirren midfielder Killian Phillips and ex-Celtic academy product Rocco Vata were both introduced off the bench late in the second half.