European football’s governing body says it will open a disciplinary investigation into an incident involving an Israeli player, who is accused of spitting on a member of Ireland’s coaching staff during the second leg of their politically charged Nations League fixture on Sunday. The probe will look into “any potential misconducts from player(s)” during the match played in Serbia, UEFA told Al Jazeera in an emailed statement on Tuesday. Tempers flared and words were exchanged on and off the pitch at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola on Sunday.
Following the match, Irish media reported that Ireland’s athletic coach Damien Doyle had accused an Israeli player of spitting at him after the half-time whistle. Asked about the spitting incident at the post-match news conference, Ireland’s head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson declined to provide details. I’m not going to comment.
It’s something a disciplinary committee will look at,” he said. Hallgrimsson admitted there had been a number of incidents that could have escalated during the game. I give big credit to the players and how they handled their emotions.” Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had left the sideline at the time of the incident and did not see what happened.
When I’m going to see and check, I will get back to you with the answer,” he told reporters.
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