Uefa release statement after controversial Ireland-Israel Nations League clash

FootballSports
6 Oct 2026 • 11:15 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Uefa release statement after controversial Ireland-Israel Nations League clash

  • Uefa has confirmed in a statement that it has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate allegations that Ireland fitness coach Damien Doyle was spat at by an Israel player at half-time during a 1-1 Nations League draw in Serbia.
  • The fixture took place amid significant political tension, with the Irish squad facing pressure to refuse to play the matches due to Israel's ongoing actions in Gaza and strong public support for Palestine in Ireland.
  • The build-up and matches were marred by several controversies, including alleged racial abuse directed at Black Ireland forward Adam Idah by a small section of Israeli fans during the first fixture in Hungary.
  • An Israeli journalist also accused Irish players of directing racial slurs at opponents, an allegation swiftly rejected as a lie by Ireland communications officer Kieran Crowley during a press conference.
  • Following the match, Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson urged Uefa to intervene in future draws, stating that no national team should be forced to navigate the psychological and political strain his side experienced over the fortnight.

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