UEFA opens investigation over alleged tunnel incident in Ireland vs Israel

UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into an alleged tunnel incident during Ireland–Israel’s Nations League match on Sunday in Serbia. The governing body said the post-match reports from the officials included an “allegation of an incident in or around the tunnel at half-time” and that it will be examined for potential misconduct “from player(s)”.

Witnesses reported that a member of the Republic of Ireland staff—understood to be fitness coach Damian Doyle—claimed he was spat at by an Israeli player as the teams went down the tunnel at half-time.

Tension extends beyond the pitch

The Israeli Football Association denied the reports, saying “no one had spat towards the coach”. After the game, Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said his team faced several apparent provocations beforehand and tried to defuse things: “I felt it was their intention to intimidate us… I give big credit to how the players handled their emotions.” UEFA also said decisions to avoid certain match-ups are based on multiple factors, especially structural security risks between the countries.