From the Guardian · · 1m 10s
Uefa investigates Israel-Ireland spat
Uefa probes claim Israeli player spat at Ireland coach during Nations League match.
In brief
Uefa probes claim Israeli player spat at Ireland coach during Nations League match. Uefa launched an investigation after reports of an Israeli player spitting at Ireland's fitness coach in a Nations League match in Serbia. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Uefa investigation begins
Uefa has launched an investigation into claims a Republic of Ireland coaching staff member was spat at during the Nations League match in Serbia on Sunday.
Allegation details
Witnesses reported hearing an Israeli player spit at Ireland's fitness coach Damian Doyle as teams went down the tunnel at half-time.
Israeli FA denies
The Israeli Football Association denied reports that anyone spat towards the coach, stating no one had spat towards the coach.
Ireland coach reaction
Ireland's coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said his team avoided provocation but felt the players were targeted to intimidate them.
Uefa response
Uefa stated decisions to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future draws consider security risks between the countries.
Geopolitical tension
The incident escalated tensions after Ireland faced pressure to boycott matches and Israeli journalists were banned from press conferences.
What it means
Uefa launched an investigation after reports of an Israeli player spitting at Ireland's fitness coach in a Nations League match in Serbia.
