UEFA opens investigation after spitting incident in Nations League duel

UEFA has launched a formal investigation into an alleged spitting incident during the Nations League duel between Ireland and Israel, after Irish fitness coach Damien Doyle claimed to have been spat on by an Israeli player, and the situation has led to heightened tensions between the two associations.

Announcement of investigation

Ireland and Israel played each other twice during the recent international break. The confrontations caused a lot of tension; the Irish players refused to shake hands with the Israeli players and looked down during the Israeli national anthem.

During last Sunday's match, Oscar Gloukh, an Ajax player, became the centre of a scuffle. The Israeli striker then had to be restrained, after which the alleged spitting incident was reported.

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Responses and tensions

Heimir Hallgrímsson, national team coach of Ireland, called on UEFA: “No, we shouldn’t do that. But it’s not up to us to decide. UEFA decides that. There is clearly a lot of support for Palestine in Ireland. There are not many countries that support Palestine as strongly as Ireland. I would not wish any national team what we have experienced over the past two weeks. So perhaps UEFA should simply intervene and take action.”

UEFA stated that after reviewing official reports, an ethics‑ and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to conduct an appropriate investigation into possible misconduct by player(s) during the group stage of the UEFA Nations League 2027 between the Republic of Ireland and Israel, played on 4 October 2026.

The appointed inspector will complete the investigation and make a decision on any possible sanctions.