UEFA appoints disciplinary inspector after an Irish coaching staff member allegedly claimed an Israeli player spat at him during the halftime tunnel incident.
WEB DESK: UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into an alleged spitting incident during the Republic of Ireland’s 1-1 Nations League draw with Israel in Serbia.
European football’s governing body said an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector had been appointed after official reports contained an allegation of an incident in or around the tunnel during halftime.
The match was played on October 4, 2026, at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola.
Allegation involves Ireland coaching staff
The allegation reportedly concerns Ireland’s head of athletic performance, Damien Doyle.
Irish media reported that Doyle alleged an Israeli player spat at him as the teams and coaching staffs headed towards their dressing rooms at halftime.
UEFA’s statement did not identify the player involved or confirm that spitting occurred. Instead, it said the disciplinary investigation would examine potential misconduct by players following the allegation contained in official match reports.
Ireland coach leaves incident to UEFA
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson declined to discuss the alleged incident in detail after the match.
He said the matter should be handled by the disciplinary authorities, according to reports from the match.
Hallgrímsson had previously acknowledged that tensions had risen during the game, but he praised his players for remaining composed.
Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he did not see the incident because he had already gone into the dressing room at halftime.
Israel FA response
The Israeli Football Association did not confirm the allegation.
According to The Irish Times, an Israel FA press officer said there was no comment because he had not seen the incident.
The Guardian separately reported that an Israeli FA spokesperson denied that anyone had spat towards the Irish coach.
The conflicting accounts mean that the alleged conduct remains subject to UEFA’s investigation.
Ireland and Israel drew 1-1
The incident occurred during a politically and emotionally tense Nations League double-header between the two teams.
Ireland took the lead through Troy Parrott’s penalty shortly before halftime, while Israel equalised through Dor Peretz early in the second half. The match ended 1-1.
The fixture was officially listed as a Republic of Ireland home match but was played behind closed doors at the TSC Arena in Serbia.
The teams had also met the previous week in Debrecen, Hungary, where Ireland won 3-0.
UEFA investigation now underway
UEFA said further information would be released in due course.
The investigation will determine whether the alleged incident amounts to misconduct and whether any disciplinary action is warranted.
For now, UEFA has confirmed only that an allegation was included in official reports and that a formal disciplinary process has been initiated. No finding of wrongdoing has been announced.
