Israel player accused of spitting on Irish coach as Nations League tensions flare

Republic of Ireland fitness coach Damien Doyle alleges an Israeli player spat at him during the half‑time break of Sunday’s Nations League clash, a claim that could spark disciplinary action and further strain relations between the two sides.

Incident captured at tunnel

According to the match report, the alleged spitting occurred as both teams walked towards the tunnel at half‑time. Doyle was seen protesting the incident, which unfolded in view of stadium security and local police.

The Irish the referee, Spanish official Juan Martínez Munuera, did not witness the alleged act, while the Irish Independent says Serbian security staff did see it.

Match context and fallout

The encounter, played behind closed doors on Sunday evening, ended 1‑1 after Israel equalised shortly after the interval. Earlier, Martínez Munuera awarded Troy Parrott a first‑half penalty following a VAR review.

Before kick‑off, UEFA barred two Israeli journalists from post‑match briefings after they pressed Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson with controversial questions about ideology and alleged monkey‑taunts.

FAI response

The Football Association of Ireland is reviewing audio recordings after midfielder Jayson Molumby raised concerns about racist abuse directed at Adam Idah and James Abankwah from Israeli supporters.

FAI media officer Kieran Crowley dismissed the journalists’ accusations as “completely untrue” during the pre‑match press conference.

Mark McCadden and Matty Hewitt, Senior Sport Central audience writers, documented the incident at 22:44 on 04 Oct 2026, providing two images of the clash between Israel and the Republic of Ireland.