UEFA to investigate spitting incident at Ireland-Israel football match

An Israeli player is accused of spitting on an Irish coach as the teams returned to their dressing rooms at half time.

European football’s governing body says it will open a disciplinary investigation into an incident involving an Israeli player, who is accused of spitting on a member of Ireland’s coaching staff during the second leg of their politically charged Nations League fixture on Sunday.

“Following a review of the official reports which contained an allegation of an incident in or around the tunnel at half-time, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct the appropriate disciplinary investigation regarding potential misconducts from player(s),” said the full statement.

Asked about the spitting incident at the post-match news conference, Ireland’s head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson declined to provide details.

Hallgrimsson admitted there had been a number of incidents that could have escalated during the game.

“I felt that was the intention [from Israel], to intimidate us and make us do something stupid. I give big credit to the players and how they handled their emotions.”

Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had left the sideline at the time of the incident and did not see what happened.