UEFA Opens Probe Into Spitting Allegation After Ireland-Israel Clash

UEFA has confirmed it is looking into the half-time incident during Sunday's Nations League game between the Republic of Ireland and Israel, after an accusation of spitting.

The two sides clashed at the break in the 1-1 draw, which was played behind closed doors in Serbia. The Irish Times reported that Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle claimed an Israel player had spat at him. Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson later confirmed there was an "accusation of spitting" during the row.

On Tuesday, UEFA said it was opening a probe "following a review of the official reports". 

The governing body added: "An UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct the appropriate disciplinary investigation regarding potential misconducts from player(s) on the occasion of the Uefa Nations League 2027 League Phase match between Republic of Ireland and Israel, played on 4 October 2026 in Backa Topola, Serbia."

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has been contacted for comment.

The players also clashed at full-time. Speaking after the game, Hallgrimsson said he felt Israel "were trying to intimidate us from kick-off". He also praised his own squad for keeping their heads. 

"I give a lot of credit to the players to stay calm," he said. "It could have been a game of yellow and red cards but we were composed, the players were composed, they did well in controlling emotions."

Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he saw nothing at the break. "[At] half-time I was in the dressing room, my room, with my staff," he said. 

He added: "I didn't see anything. When I get the chance to check I will get back to you. I didn't see anything, I was in my room."

Both fixtures were played at neutral venues and have been hit by controversy since the teams were drawn together in Group B3 in February. Ireland's players faced constant calls to pull out because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. 

The "Stop The Game" campaign, run by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine, held protests before and during Thursday's game against Austria in Dublin.

The FAI went ahead with both games anyway, even though goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both. 

The teams skipped the usual pre-match formalities in each match, and the Irish players bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem.