Uefa opens probe after spitting accusation in Republic of Ireland-Israel Nations League match
Uefa is investigating a half-time incident between the Republic of Ireland and Israel during their Uefa Nations League 2027 League Phase match in Backa Topola, Serbia, on 4 October 2026 after an accusation of spitting. The match, played behind closed doors, finished 1-1.
The fixtures were drawn in February and have been played at neutral venues amid calls for Ireland to withdraw because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. The Stop The Game campaign, organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine, staged protests before and during Thursday's game against Austria in Dublin; goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both games but the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) ultimately decided to fulfil both fixtures. In both matches the teams did not engage in pre-match formalities and the Irish players bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem.
Players from both sides clashed at half-time in Serbia and there were further confrontations at full-time. The Irish Times reported that Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle alleged he had been spat at by an Israel player, and head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson later confirmed there was an "accusation of spitting" during the fracas.
Speaking after the game Hallgrimsson said he felt Israel "were trying to intimidate us from kick-off". He added: "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."
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.