Uefa has opened a disciplinary investigation into the half-time incident at Sunday's Nations League game between the Republic of Ireland and Israel. The governing body confirmed on Tuesday that it is looking into an accusation of spitting, following a review of the official reports from a match that finished 1-1 behind closed doors in Serbia.
Nothing has been proven, and the two camps have given different accounts. What is known is the following: players from both sides clashed as they went down the tunnel at the interval, and the Irish Times reported that Ireland's head of athletic performance, Damien Doyle, alleged an Israel player had spat at him.
What Uefa has said
In a statement, Uefa said an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to carry out the investigation into potential misconduct from player or players at the Nations League League Phase match, which was played on 4 October 2026 in Backa Topola. Uefa did not name anyone. The Football Association of Ireland had been contacted for comment by the BBC.
The two managers' versions
Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson later confirmed there had been an accusation of spitting during the confrontation. He also said he felt Israel were trying to intimidate his side from the first whistle, and he praised his players for staying calm. It could have been a night of yellow and red cards, he said, but they were composed and controlled their emotions.
Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had not seen anything. He explained that he was in the dressing room with his staff at half-time, and that once he had the chance to check what happened he would get back to the media. The teams also clashed at full-time, according to the BBC.
A fixture under pressure from the start
The tie was controversial from the moment the two teams were drawn together in Group B3 in February. Irish Sport for Palestine, a pressure group, ran a Stop The Game campaign calling on the Republic of Ireland to withdraw because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, and there were protests before and during Thursday's game against Austria in Dublin. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both fixtures.
The FAI decided to play both games, which were held at neutral venues. The teams did not take part in pre-match formalities in either match, and the Irish players bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem. Uefa's inspector will now work through the reports and decide whether any player case needs to be answered.
Match facts: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Israel, Nations League League Phase, Group B3, 4 October 2026, Backa Topola, Serbia (behind closed doors). Uefa confirmed the investigation on 6 October 2026. No findings or sanctions have been announced. Source: BBC Sport.
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