Hallgrimsson urges UEFA after accusation made against Israel player

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has appealed to UEFA following a 1-1 draw with Israel, after an accusation was made that an Israeli player spat on an Irish team member during half‑time.

From childhood obsession to professional content

Rob began his career writing about football after a lifelong passion turned into work for clients such as Luton Town Football Club and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). He produced early content that combined match analysis with the broader culture of the sport.

His first high‑profile interviews came in 2009 with Premier League referees Howard Webb and Michael Oliver, cementing his reputation for accessing the officiating side of the game.

Building a portfolio at GiveMeSport

After four years creating written material for a betting website – covering the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 – Rob joined GiveMeSport in 2013, initially as a sub‑editor before rising to senior writer and senior editor in 2020.

At GiveMeSport he has covered countless football matches and other sporting events, interviewing figures such as Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch and Theo Walcott, and publishing well over 10,000 articles across football, boxing, tennis, darts and the Olympic Games of 2016, 2020 and 2024.

Hallgrimsson said the alleged spitting incident left his squad “tense” and “full of emotion”, adding that he felt Israel was trying to intimidate his side from kick‑off. He stressed that the matter would be reviewed by UEFA and praised his players for staying composed.

Israel head coach Ran Ben‑Shimon replied that he “didn’t see anything” at half‑time and that he would investigate if given the chance. The Israel FA press officer offered no comment, stating he could not comment on something he did not witness.

Ireland’s next UEFA Nations League fixtures are against Austria and Kosovo in November, while Israel will meet the same opponents in reverse order, meaning both sides have further opportunities to settle the dispute on the pitch.