UEFA Opens Spitting Probe After Ireland–Israel Nations League Clash

UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into an alleged spitting incident during Sunday's Nations League match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel, played in Backa Topola, Serbia. European football's governing body confirmed on Tuesday that an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed after official match reports contained an allegation that an Israeli player spat at a member of the Irish coaching staff as the teams left the pitch at half-time.

The fixture, which finished 1-1, was staged in a neutral venue behind closed doors after the Football Association of Ireland opted to move the game out of the country following protests over fulfilling the fixtures amid Israel's war in Gaza. The previous week's meeting in Hungary, which Ireland won 3-0, went ahead only after the Irish squad held a vote on whether to play, following goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu's withdrawal from the contentious double-header.

There were no pre-match handshakes or pennant exchanges in either game. Both sides wore black armbands in Serbia — Ireland's commemorating all the victims of the conflict in Gaza, Israel's in memory of the victims of the October 7 attack. UEFA's investigation is the latest flashpoint in a tie that has been overshadowed by politics from the start.