Nations League
UEFA investigates alleged spitting incident during Ireland‑Israel match
A scuffle during Ireland‑Israel. The Nations League match last Sunday, played on neutral ground in Serbia, was overshadowed by an alleged spit incident in which an Israeli player is said to have spat on a staff member of the Irish squad. The incident occurred during halftime, just as tensions were already high due to the war in Gaza.
UEFA launches formal investigation
UEFA confirmed on Tuesday to the ANP that the incident is being investigated. The ethical and disciplinary committee of the European football association will examine the allegation of an incident in or around the player tunnel during halftime in more detail.
The Israeli football association denies that a spit incident took place. UEFA describes the case as an ‘allegation of an incident in or around the player tunnel at halftime’ and has launched a formal investigation.
The two encounters between Ireland and Israel in the Nations League were marked by high tension due to the war in Gaza. The Irish ‘home match’ was played on neutral ground in Serbia after intense criticism in Ireland. The Irish refused to shake hands with the Israeli players and looked down during the opponent’s national anthem.
During both matches the Irish players wore mourning ribbons as a sign of solidarity. The Israeli team also wore mourning ribbons in the second encounter.
A photo from EPA, titled ‘A scuffle during Ireland – Israel’, illustrates the tense atmosphere. In addition, the reporting noted that Ajax player Gloukh must be kept under control.