Story perspectives

UEFA Opens Disciplinary Probe After Israeli Spit Incident

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 3:45 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

UEFA opened a disciplinary investigation into an alleged spitting incident involving an Israeli player and Irish staff.
Irish fitness coach Damien Doyle said an Israeli player spat at him as teams entered the tunnel at half-time.
UEFA barred two Israeli journalists from the post-match press conference for politically motivated behavior.
Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson asked UEFA to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future Nations League draws.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 UEFA barred Yugoslav clubs from European competition after UN sanctions linked to the Yugoslav Wars, echoing the national team’s disqualification from Euro 1992. Denmark, the group runner-up, replaced Yugoslavia and won the tournament, which featured only eight teams. The episode set a precedent for UEFA’s later disciplinary actions, such as today’s probe into an Israeli-Irish spitting incident.

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Story summary

UEFA opened a disciplinary investigation into an alleged spitting incident involving an Israeli player and Irish staff.
Irish fitness coach Damien Doyle said an Israeli player spat at him as teams entered the tunnel at half-time.
UEFA barred two Israeli journalists from the post-match press conference for politically motivated behavior.
Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson asked UEFA to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future Nations League draws.

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