In Backa Topola, Serbia, a Nations League match already marked by tension has led to a UEFA disciplinary investigation after Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Israel.
The Ligue 1 news
UEFA has appointed an inspector from its Ethics and Disciplinary Commission to examine an alleged incident involving an Irish staff member and an Israel player during half-time.
The reported episode is said to have occurred in or near the tunnel during the UEFA Nations League B group-stage fixture on 4 October 2026. A member of Ireland’s backroom team alleged that he was spat at by an Israeli player.
European football’s governing body said its decision followed a review of the official match reports. The appointed inspector will investigate whether one or more players may have breached disciplinary rules.
The game ended 1-1, but the two meetings between Ireland and Israel had already been surrounded by controversy. There were no pre-match handshakes or exchanges of team pennants in either fixture.
For the second match, both sides wore black armbands, although for different reasons. Ireland used them in tribute to victims of the conflict in Gaza, while Israel’s players wore theirs in memory of those killed in the 7 October attack.
