UEFA opens investigation into alleged spitting incident involving Israel player

UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into an alleged spitting incident during the Nations League match between Republic of Ireland and Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia.

The game on Sunday, 4 October 2026, ended 1-1, with tensions already high between the two sides during the international break.

According to the Irish Times, Damian Doyle, Republic of Ireland’s head of athletic performance, reported that he had been spat at by an Israel player in the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms during half-time.

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed the allegation at his post-match news conference.

UEFA said it had reviewed the official reports submitted by the match delegates before appointing an ethics and disciplinary inspector to examine the incident and establish whether disciplinary action should follow.

“ A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to conduct the relevant disciplinary investigation into potential misconduct by players,” the governing body said in a statement.

The investigation concerns the Nations League fixture played in Backa Topola, where the match was staged at a neutral venue.

The two meetings between Republic of Ireland and Israel during the international break were accompanied by a strained atmosphere. The matches were played on neutral ground, while there were incidents involving the refusal of handshakes, the wearing of black armbands in mourning for victims and disagreements during news conferences.

UEFA will now assess the official match reports and any evidence connected with the alleged incident before deciding whether further disciplinary measures are required.