UEFA has opened an investigation into an alleged spitting incident during the half-time interval of the Nations League match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in Serbia.

The two teams were involved in a confrontation during the interval of Sunday’s 1-1 draw, which was played behind closed doors in Backa Topola.

The Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle alleged that an Israel player spat at him.

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson later confirmed there had been an “accusation of spitting” during the altercation.

UEFA announced on Tuesday that it had launched an investigation “following a review of the official reports”.

“An UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct the appropriate disciplinary investigation regarding potential misconducts from player(s) on the occasion of the UEFA Nations League 2027 League Phase match between Republic of Ireland and Israel, played on 4 October 2026 in Backa Topola, Serbia,” European football’s governing body said.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has not made any comment, however, the two fixtures, which were both played at neutral venues, had been surrounded by controversy since February when Ireland and Israel were drawn in Group B3.

Republic of Ireland players had faced calls to withdraw from the matches amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

The “Stop The Game” campaign, organised by the Irish Sport for Palestine pressure group, staged protests before and during Thursday’s match between Ireland and Austria in Dublin.

Tensions also spilled over between the two teams in Serbia, with players from both sides involved in another confrontation after the final whistle.

Hallgrimsson said after the match that he believed Israel “were trying to intimidate us from kick-off”.

“I give a lot of credit to the players to stay calm. It could have been a game of yellow and red cards but we were composed, the players were composed, they did well in controlling emotions,” he said.

Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he did not witness the alleged incident when asked about the half-time confrontation.

“At half-time I was in the dressing room, my room, with my staff,” he said.

“I didn’t see anything. When I get the chance to check I will get back to you. I didn’t see anything, I was in my room.”

The FAI ultimately opted to honour both fixtures despite pressure for the team to boycott the matches, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both games.

The two sides also skipped the usual pre-match formalities in both fixtures, while the Irish players bowed their heads as Israel’s national anthem was played.

UEFA has opened an investigation into an alleged spitting incident during the half-time interval of the Nations League match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in Serbia.

The two teams were involved in a confrontation during the interval of Sunday’s 1-1 draw, which was played behind closed doors in Backa Topola.

The Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle alleged that an Israel player spat at him.

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson later confirmed there had been an “accusation of spitting” during the altercation.

UEFA announced on Tuesday that it had launched an investigation “following a review of the official reports”.

“An UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct the appropriate disciplinary investigation regarding potential misconducts from player(s) on the occasion of the UEFA Nations League 2027 League Phase match between Republic of Ireland and Israel, played on 4 October 2026 in Backa Topola, Serbia,” European football’s governing body said.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has not made any comment, however, the two fixtures, which were both played at neutral venues, had been surrounded by controversy since February when Ireland and Israel were drawn in Group B3.

Republic of Ireland players had faced calls to withdraw from the matches amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

The “Stop The Game” campaign, organised by the Irish Sport for Palestine pressure group, staged protests before and during Thursday’s match between Ireland and Austria in Dublin.

Tensions also spilled over between the two teams in Serbia, with players from both sides involved in another confrontation after the final whistle.

Hallgrimsson said after the match that he believed Israel “were trying to intimidate us from kick-off”.

“I give a lot of credit to the players to stay calm. It could have been a game of yellow and red cards but we were composed, the players were composed, they did well in controlling emotions,” he said.

Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he did not witness the alleged incident when asked about the half-time confrontation.

“At half-time I was in the dressing room, my room, with my staff,” he said.

“I didn’t see anything. When I get the chance to check I will get back to you. I didn’t see anything, I was in my room.”

The FAI ultimately opted to honour both fixtures despite pressure for the team to boycott the matches, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both games.

The two sides also skipped the usual pre-match formalities in both fixtures, while the Irish players bowed their heads as Israel’s national anthem was played.