Spit in the Nations League fuels rivalry between Ireland and Israel

In the tunnel of the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia, Irish fitness coach Damien Doyle accused an Israeli player of having spat on him as both teams were heading to the dressing rooms at the end of the first half of the 1‑1 draw in the Nations League.

Spanish referee Juan Martinez Munuera spoke with Israeli manager Ran Ben‑Simon during the tense match, exchanging words while the controversy was brewing in the stadium.

Television footage showed the tension at the entrance to the TSC Arena tunnel, where a voice was heard saying “He spat on me”. The moment was captured just before the teams entered the dressing rooms.

Coaches' Reactions

Irish manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed the spitting allegation, although he noted that he did not witness it and that it will be reviewed like any other incident between the two sides. For his part, Israeli coach Ran Ben‑Simon said he had not seen what happened.

Context and Symbols

The rivalry dates back to statements by Israeli captain Manor Solomon, who said “they hate and we have no affection for them”. In the match, Irish and Israeli players wore black wristbands; the Irish used them in solidarity with the victims in Gaza, while the Israelis wore them in response to the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023. In addition, the customary handshake between the teams was not performed.

An Irish press conference ended abruptly when an Israeli journalist accused Adam Idah of hurling racist insults in the previous match; the Irish Football Association labeled those accusations “totally false” and is also investigating whether Idah received insults from Israeli fans.

Ireland took the lead with a penalty converted by Troy Parrott in the 39th minute, and Israel equalised at the start of the second half thanks to Dor Peretz. In the final minutes, Assaf Tzur prevented defeat with a decisive save and Oscar Gloukh saw his volley smash against the post.