Israel incident under fire, this must be investigated

The second encounter between Ireland and Israel in the Nations League, played in the Serbian Backa Topola, ended on Sunday in a 1-1 draw, but the tension off the pitch reached a new peak when Damien Doyle, head of performance of the Irish Football Association, accused an Israeli player of spitting during halftime.

Spitting incident and official reactions

Doyle claimed that an Israeli player had spat at him as players and staff left the field. Irish national team coach Heimir Hallgrimsson refused to assess the allegation, but confirmed that the incident will be investigated.

Hallgrimsson indicated that Israel tried to intimidate his side, but praised the Irish players for their composure. He added that the two matches were “tense” and that many emotions were at play.

Political tensions and public reactions

The first encounter took place on September 27 in Debrecen, where Ireland won 0-3. For both fixtures black mourning ribbons were worn: Ireland in remembrance of all lives lost in Gaza, Israel in commemoration of the victims of the Hamas attack of 7 October, with “7.10” on the ribbon.

There were no handshakes or flag exchanges; the players bowed their heads during the opponent’s national anthem. Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher shook the referee’s hand after the toss, while Israeli captain Dor Peretz turned his back on the Irish players.

Israeli national team coach Ran Ben‑Shimon said he had seen nothing, as he was in the dressing room during halftime. He promised to investigate the incident if given the chance and emphasized that he would never target a player.

Footage showed that the Israeli player Oscar Gloukh had to be restrained by teammates after the verbal exchange. Substitute goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu stated that he would let the two matches pass, because he “personally believes that killing innocent people is wrong”.

Ahead of the first match, demonstrators gathered at the players’ hotel in Dublin and SIPTU put up a poster along the Liffey calling to follow one’s conscience. The Irish public broadcaster RTÉ provided minimal coverage without studio analysis. Former national team coach Brian Kerr said that the FAI had lost the respect of the Irish public by allowing the matches to go ahead, while the FAI warned of severe UEFA sanctions. Ireland, together with England, Wales and Scotland, is a host of Euro 2028.