UEFA opens investigation into Ireland-Israel clash after spitting allegation

UEFA has opened an investigation into the half-time confrontation between Republic of Ireland and Israel following an allegation of spitting, BBC Sport reported on Tuesday. The incident occurred during the teams' 1-1 Nations League draw on 4 October, which was played without spectators in Backa Topola, Serbia.

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European football's governing body said it had reviewed the official reports and appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to examine potential misconduct by players. The appointment establishes an investigation rather than a finding that the alleged behaviour occurred. UEFA's statement concerned the meeting in the league phase of the 2027 Nations League.

According to the BBC's account of reporting by the Irish Times, Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle alleged that an Israel player spat at him. Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson subsequently confirmed that a spitting allegation had been made. Players from the two teams confronted one another as they entered the tunnel at the interval.

There was a further clash at full-time. Hallgrimsson said after the match that he believed Israel had attempted to intimidate his side from the start, while praising his players for controlling their emotions. His comments presented the Irish coach's assessment of the encounter; the allegation itself is now part of the circumstances being examined by UEFA.

Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had not witnessed the half-time incident because he was in his dressing room with his staff. He said he would need an opportunity to check what happened before responding further. BBC Sport said it had also contacted the Football Association of Ireland for comment.

Both fixtures between the sides took place at neutral venues after their pairing in Group B3 prompted calls for an Irish boycott over the Israel-Gaza war. Irish Sport for Palestine organised protests around Thursday's match against Austria in Dublin. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for the two Israel games, but the FAI fulfilled the fixtures. Neither match included the usual pre-match formalities, and Ireland's players lowered their heads during Israel's anthem.