Ireland-Israel Nations League draw followed by spitting allegation
In short
The Republic of Ireland's two Nations League fixtures against Israel produced a 3-0 Ireland win and a 1-1 draw, both played without spectators, the second in Serbia. Irish media reported that Ireland's Damien Doyle alleged an Israeli player spat at him at half-time; Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said he did not see it and Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he did not witness it. A day earlier, Hallgrimsson had walked out of a pre-match press conference after an Israeli journalist alleged his players made racist remarks, which an Irish press officer called “completely untrue”.
Why it matters
The two fixtures had already become the focus of political debate in Ireland, where some supporters and politicians called for a boycott, and the games were staged behind closed doors. The allegations from both sides remain unresolved and, according to Hallgrimsson, go to a disciplinary process. Hallgrimsson said the fortnight had taken a toll on his squad.
Key facts
- Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in the first of the two Nations League meetings; the return fixture ended 1-1 in Serbia. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Irish media reported that Ireland's Damien Doyle alleged an Israeli player spat at him following the half-time whistle at TSC Arena; the claim has not been independently established. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said he did not witness the alleged spitting and that a disciplinary committee would look at it. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he did not witness the alleged incident, saying he had already left the touchline and was in the dressing room with his staff. [ 3 ]
- Hallgrimsson walked out of his pre-match press conference after an Israeli journalist accused his players of racist remarks in the earlier match; an Irish press officer called the claim “completely untrue”. [ 1 ]
- Both matches were played without supporters, the first behind closed doors in Hungary and the second in Serbia after the Football Association of Ireland decided to stage it that way; there were no pre-match handshakes or exchanges of pennants. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Ireland won the first meeting between the sides 3-0 and the second match ended in a 1-1 draw. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Irish media reported that Ireland's Damien Doyle alleged an Israeli player spat at him at half-time, a claim that has not been independently established; both head coaches said they did not see the incident. [ 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- Whether an Israeli player spat at Ireland's Damien Doyle. The claim rests on Irish media reporting cited by two outlets; The National says it has not been independently established, and both head coaches said they did not witness it.
- The racism allegations against Ireland's players raised by an Israeli journalist at the pre-match press conference. Single-source: The National reports the claims have not been independently established, the Irish press officer called them “completely untrue”, and the journalist insisted they were true.
- Damien Doyle's role in the Ireland set-up. The National describes him as Ireland's head of athletic performance, while Gulf News calls him an Ireland coach.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- October 4: Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson leaves his pre-match press conference after an Israeli journalist accuses his players of racist remarks in the previous meeting; an Irish press officer calls the claim “completely untrue”. [ 1 ]
- October 5: The National reports Hallgrimsson saying Israel were “trying to intimidate” his players during the 1-1 draw in Serbia, and the Irish Times reporting that Damien Doyle alleged an Israeli player spat at him. [ 2 ]
- October 5: Gulf News reports Hallgrimsson saying the two matches had “taken a toll” on his squad, and Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon saying he did not witness the alleged spitting. [ 3 ]