UEFA has confirmed it is investigating the half-time incident during Sunday’s Nations League game between Republic of Ireland and Israel following an accusation of spitting.
The teams clashed at half-time in the 1-1 draw behind closed doors in Serbia, with the Irish Times, external reporting that Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle alleged he had been spat at by an Israel player.
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson later confirmed there was an “accusation of spitting” during the fracas.
On Tuesday, Uefa confirmed it was opening an investigation “following a review of the official reports”.
“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,” added European football’s governing body.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has been contacted for comment.
The fixtures, both played at neutral venues, were embroiled in controversy since February when the two teams were drawn to play each other in Group B3.
The Republic of Ireland players faced persistent calls to withdraw from the games because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war with the “Stop The Game” campaign – organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine – staging protests before and during Thursday’s game against Austria in Dublin.
Tensions between the teams boiled over in Serbia with the Republic of Ireland and Israel players also clashing at full-time.
Speaking after the game, Hallgrimsson said he felt Israel “were trying to intimidate us from kick-off”.
“I give a lot of credit to the players to stay calm. 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,” he said.
Asked about the half-time incident, Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he did not see “anything”.
“[At] half-time I was in the dressing room, my room, with my staff,” he said.
“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.”
Despite facing pressure to boycott and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu making himself unavailable for both games, the FAI ultimately decided to fulfil both fixtures.
The teams did not engage in pre-match formalities in either match, while the Irish players bowed their heads during Israel’s national anthem.