UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into an alleged spitting incident involving an Israeli player and a member of the Republic of Ireland coaching staff during Sunday’s Nations League clash in Serbia.
The incident reportedly occurred around the tunnel area at half-time of the 1-1 draw between Ireland and Israel in Bačka Topola.
Ireland’s head of athletic performance, Damien Doyle, was reportedly alleged to have been spat at by an Israeli player as both teams headed towards their dressing rooms.
UEFA confirmed that match officials’ reports contained an allegation of an incident around the tunnel and that an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector had been appointed to investigate possible misconduct by player or players.
The Israel Football Association has denied the allegation, saying no one spat towards the Irish coach.
Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson also declined to comment directly on the incident, saying it was a matter for UEFA’s disciplinary authorities.
Hallgrímsson, however, claimed his players had faced several provocations during the match and praised them for maintaining their composure.
Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he did not witness the incident because he had already entered the dressing room at half-time.
The latest development adds to tensions surrounding the Nations League meetings between the two nations, with both matches played amid heightened political and security concerns.
UEFA said further information on the investigation would be made available in due course.
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