UEFA Probes Alleged Spitting in Ireland v Israel Game

UEFA has appointed a disciplinary inspector to investigate an alleged spitting incident during the Nations League game between Ireland and Israel on Sunday.
An Israeli player was accused of spitting at a member of the Irish coaching staff as the teams left the pitch at half-time. UEFA said it will examine potential misconduct by players after reviewing official match reports.
The game ended 1-1. It was played in Backa Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors after the Football Association of Ireland chose a neutral venue. The FAI made the move following protests in Ireland over playing the matches because of Israel’s war in Gaza.
The two sides met in Hungary the previous week. Ireland won that game 3-0 after the Irish squad held a vote on whether to play, following goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu’s withdrawal from the fixtures.
There were no pre-match handshakes or exchange of pennants in either fixture. Both teams wore black armbands in Serbia. Ireland wore them to commemorate all victims of the conflict in Gaza, while Israel wore them in memory of the victims of the October 7 attack.
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