Spit accusations cast a shadow over Israel's Nations League duel

In the controversial duel Israel versus Ireland in the Nations League, Irish national coach Heimir Hallgrimsson after the 1‑1 match publicly and consistently rejected the question about an alleged spitting incident in the half‑time and said that the disciplinary committee would examine the matter.

Political background and boycott calls

The duel was politically highly volatile because in Ireland there is broad support for Palestine and Israel is heavily criticised because of the Gaza war. Irish players were urged from home to boycott the international matches. Substitute goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno abstained from participation.

Allegations and lack of evidence

Instead of Dublin, the match took place in Serbia without spectators, as fans were not allowed. The teams travelled on neutral ground to the stadium in Belgrade. The Irish players refrained from handshakes and lowered their heads during the Israeli national anthem.

According to Irish media, the fitness coach of the Irish national team claimed that he had been spat on by someone from the Israeli side on the way to the dressing room at half‑time. So far no evidence or video recordings of the incident are known. Mobile phone videos from the Serbian stadium only show restless players and a voice shouting “Be clever”.

In a longer interview with the Irish broadcaster RTE, Hallgrimsson did not address the incident and simply denied that the accusations had influenced his players. At the press conference after the 1‑1 he said: “I will not comment on that, it is probably something that the disciplinary committee will look at.”

The Irish players deliberately omitted the usual handshakes or fist bumps and showed respect by lowering their heads during the Israeli anthem. Substitute goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno remained completely out of the match to avoid taking part in the controversial duel.

The Irish football federation has announced that the disciplinary committee will examine the allegation, although no official result is available yet.