UEFA probes spitting claim after tense Israel‑Ireland Nations League clash
At half‑time on Sunday, a Republic of Ireland staff member alleged he was spat at by an Israel Player, prompting UEFA to launch a formal investigation. The incident occurred during a 1‑1 draw in the Nations League, played behind closed doors at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia on 4 October 2026.
Match set against a charged backdrop
The fixture was the second meeting of the two sides in the international break, following Ireland’s 3‑0 win in Debrecen, Hungary. Both games were staged without spectators in Serbia, reflecting calls for Ireland to boycott the matches over the Gaza conflict. Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu sat out both encounters.
Allegation and immediate reactions
Fitness coach Damien Doyle claimed an Israel player spat at him as the teams walked down the tunnel at half‑time. Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed the allegation but said he did not see the incident, while Israel’s head coach Ran Ben‑Shimon echoed that he also missed it. Hallgrimsson later told reporters, "I don’t want to get involved in that, but it’s been like this these two games. It’s tense, it’s a lot of emotions."
UEFA’s disciplinary step
UEFA responded by appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to conduct a disciplinary investigation concerning potential misconduct by player(s) during the match. The governing body said it would review the official reports before taking further action, confirming the probe in a statement released on the same day.
Senior Sports Reporter Felix Keith, writing for Sport on Sunday, noted that the match was “ill‑tempered” and that the teams’ conduct off the pitch drew as much attention as the on‑field play. The article, captioned View 2 Images, highlighted that both sides entered the pitch wearing black armbands in recognition of lives lost in the conflict.
During the Israeli anthem, the Irish players bowed their heads and there were no handshakes between captains Dara O’Shea and Manor Solomon, nor between Caoimhín Kelleher and Dor Peretz. The atmosphere was further strained by chants alleged to target Adam Idah, prompting Irish midfielder Jayson Molumby to appeal to referee Harms Osmers for intervention.
Political fallout continued as Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the Israel Football Association’s criticism of Hallgrimsson as “unacceptable”. Hallgrimsson has called for the two nations to be kept apart in future fixtures, leaving the decision to UEFA.