UEFA opens disciplinary investigation after alleged spitting incident

UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into an incident during the Nations League match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel, after a member of the Irish coaching staff alleged that he was spat on by an Israeli player.

According to British and Irish media reports, the incident took place at halftime of the match, which was played in Serbia and ended in a 1-1 draw, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Ireland’s athletic performance coach, Damien Doyle, alleged that an Israeli player spat at him. Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson confirmed that the incident involved an “allegation of spitting.”

UEFA said that, following a review of the official reports from the match, it had appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate the alleged inappropriate conduct by players during the game on October 4.

Hallgrímsson also said he would not want Ireland to face Israel again, while acknowledging that any decision on future fixtures rests with UEFA.

“No, they shouldn’t. That is not something we decide; it is a UEFA decision,” Hallgrímsson said. He also referred to the strong support for Palestine in Ireland and said he would not want any national team to experience what Ireland had experienced during the previous two weeks.

The UEFA investigation is expected to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether disciplinary action should be taken against anyone involved.

Photo: Instagram/UEFA