New Delhi, October 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
UEFA has launched a formal investigation into an alleged spitting incident in the tunnel area during half-time of the Nations League match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia.
Ireland’s head of athletic performance, Damien Doyle, alleged that an Israeli player spat at him as the teams left the pitch for the half-time interval during the closed-door match, which ended 1-1.
Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson initially declined to comment on the allegation but later confirmed that a complaint had been made. He also said he had not witnessed the incident himself.
Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon, when asked about the allegation during his post-match press conference, said, “He did not see anything.”
UEFA has now appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to examine the matter. The governing body said its decision followed a review of official reports containing an allegation of an incident in or around the tunnel at half-time.
“Following a review of the official reports which contained an allegation of an incident in or around the tunnel at halftime, 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. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course,” a UEFA spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Irish Times.
The Nations League fixtures between the two sides have been surrounded by controversy since their Group B3 draw was made in February. Calls had been made for Ireland to withdraw from the fixtures in response to Israeli actions in Gaza.
The match in Serbia was played behind closed doors at a neutral venue. Before kick-off, Irish players bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem and did not shake hands with their opponents.
Despite pressure for a boycott, the Football Association of Ireland proceeded with both fixtures.
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