Story perspectives

UEFA Launches Review After Irish-Israeli Spitting Claim

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 11:21 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Ireland protests

Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in a Nations League match in Serbia.
Both sides wore black armbands, with Ireland refusing handshake as a silent protest.
FAI manager Kieran Crowley called the alleged racist slur “completely untrue” and ended the press conference.
Damien Doyle alleged an Israeli player spat at him at halftime.
Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said a panel will review the claim and urged UEFA to keep sides apart.

Summary

UEFA bans journalists

UEFA barred two Israeli journalists from post-match briefings after they asked political questions.
UEFA confirmed the match was behind closed doors in Serbia because of heightened tensions.
Israel’s government X account called the Irish team’s head-down anthem gesture ‘moral blindness’.
Serbian security staff reported seeing the alleged spitting incident during the halftime tunnel walk.
FAI is reviewing pitch-side microphone recordings after Jayson Molumby reported possible racist chants.

History

Historical Context

On March 29 2014, UEFA awarded Albania a 3-0 forfeit win over Serbia after a politically charged match was abandoned. UEFA fined the Serbian Football Association €100,000 and mandated two subsequent home games without spectators, citing security concerns. Similarly, the 2024 Ireland-Israel Nations League clash in Belgrade unfolded behind closed doors, with UEFA barring Israeli journalists and investigating alleged racist conduct. These incidents underscore UEFA’s growing reliance on punitive measures to manage political tension, prompting federations like the FAI and Israeli FA to tighten monitoring protocols.

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Ireland protests

Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in a Nations League match in Serbia.
Both sides wore black armbands, with Ireland refusing handshake as a silent protest.
FAI manager Kieran Crowley called the alleged racist slur “completely untrue” and ended the press conference.
Damien Doyle alleged an Israeli player spat at him at halftime.
Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said a panel will review the claim and urged UEFA to keep sides apart.

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