UEFA investigates claim Israel player spat at Ireland coach
UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation after Ireland alleged a member of their backroom staff was spat at during the 1-1 draw with Israel.
European football's governing body said the allegation appeared in the match officials' post-match reports. It centred on an incident in or around the tunnel at half-time. That claim will now be investigated for potential misconduct by a player or players. The Guardian
The game was played in Backa Topola, Serbia, on Ireland's nominal home date. It ended 1-1. BBC Sport The Nations League is UEFA's international competition, played in the gaps between World Cups and European Championships. This tie was moved to neutral ground after the Football Association of Ireland said operational challenges prevented safe staging in Dublin.
Witnesses reported that Ireland fitness coach Damian Doyle said he was spat on by an Israeli player as the teams went down the tunnel. Doyle leads Ireland's athletic performance work, overseeing fitness and conditioning. An Israeli Football Association spokesperson denied the allegation and said no one had spat towards the coach.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson would not discuss the detail around Doyle in his post-match briefings. He did say Israel had tried to intimidate his players. RTE Spitting at an opponent or official is treated as serious misconduct in football. It can bring a lengthy ban if proven.
The fixtures between the sides have been uneasy from the start. Ireland's players held a vote on whether to fulfil the opening game against Israel in Hungary. Hallgrimsson has now asked UEFA to keep Ireland and Israel separate in future draws. He wants to avoid a repeat of this kind of week.
There was further trouble around the media arrangements. Two Israeli journalists were banned from Ireland's post-match press conference. UEFA found they had brought football into disrepute and behaved improperly around a pre-match press conference.
UEFA has not set a timetable for a decision. Any sanction would follow its normal disciplinary process.
What stands out is how little of this week has been about the football itself. A 1-1 draw would normally be the story. Here it feels like a footnote while UEFA works through the reports.
