UEFA has begun a formal inquiry into claims of a spitting event in the Republic of Ireland's Nations League contest with Israel. An Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been assigned to look into possible wrongdoing by individuals involved after a confrontation at the interval in Serbia.
According to accounts, Irish fitness coach Damien Doyle was heard stating he had been spat on by someone from the Israeli group as the sides exited the field. This event took place during the 1-1 stalemate, which was held without spectators at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola. The claim was noted by the officiating team in their game documents, leading to UEFA's disciplinary action.
Denials and statements
The Israeli Football Association has rejected these claims. A representative said that 'no one had spat towards the coach'. Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson chose not to address the specific event after the game. He did mention his squad faced several seeming provocations before the fixture.
Hallgrimsson praised his team for managing their feelings and preventing a worsening situation. Israeli coach Ben Shimon stated he did not see the event as he was already in the changing area.
Broader political context
This contest was the second in a pair of games with political overtones. The initial meeting, a 3-0 victory for Ireland in Hungary, followed Hallgrimsson's statement that his team was 'playing against genocide'. The Israel FA described these words as 'stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy'. Taoiseach Micheál Martin later said the Israeli association's response was 'unacceptable'.
Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu left the group before the first contest in protest against 'the atrocities in the region'. Both sides wore black armbands for the games to acknowledge 'all lives lost in the conflict'. While the Israeli anthem played, Irish squad members looked down, and the captains did not shake hands after either fixture.
Before the initial game, the Football Association of Ireland held a vote on whether to play, with the team choosing to go ahead. The scheduled home game was relocated to Serbia because of what the FAI termed 'operational challenges' that made hosting it safely in Dublin impossible.
Media sanctions and future fixtures
UEFA has also penalized two reporters, barring them from the post-game press briefing. The organization stated they had damaged football's reputation 'by using a press conference for politically motivated purposes'. Hallgrimsson has requested that UEFA keep Ireland and Israel apart in future tournament draws, pointing to safety concerns. A UEFA representative said such choices weigh multiple elements, particularly situations between nations that might create significant security issues.
The inspector will examine the official game documents to decide if any penalties are necessary. Wrexham A.F.C.'s next fixture is away to Derby on Saturday, 10 October.
First reported at RTE.ie
