Tensions between the football teams of Israel and Ireland reached a flashpoint during the second leg of their Nations League fixture in Serbia, bringing an end to a politically charged two weeks. The League 3 Group B match ended in a 1–1 draw at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola on Sunday, but tempers flared and accusations flew despite the game being held behind closed doors and at a neutral venue. It built on the confrontational nature of their first match on September 27, when Ireland defeated Israel 3-0.
Irish players had been under pressure from home – where affinity with Palestinians is strong – to boycott the second match against Israel, although the pressure seemed greater during the first game. Here’s a look at the events surrounding the fixture: Irish media reported that one of Ireland’s coaches, Damien Doyle, had accused an Israeli player of spitting at him after the half-time whistle. I’m not going to comment.
It’s something a disciplinary committee will look at,” Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said when asked by reporters about the incident. Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had already left the sideline 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.
There is no clarity yet on whether European football’s governing body will sanction the players. UEFA and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have not responded to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on whether a disciplinary inquiry has been opened into the incident. While spitting incidents in football are not uncommon, there have been none previously reported between Irish and Israeli players.
Ahead of the first fixture, Israel was informed in advance by the FAI that Ireland’s players would not shake hands as a form of silent protest and UEFA accepted the arrangement. It was one of several protest measures unveiled by David Courell, FAI CEO, at the pre-match news conference. He said there would be no exchange of the customary pennant before the game and that Irish players would wear black armbands in honour of all the victims of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, while donating their match fees to charity.
Irish players also bowed their heads while Israel’s national anthem was being played. Ireland is one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza and the FAI chose to stage Sunday’s match behind closed doors in Serbia amid the pressure to withdraw from the fixtures. No, Sunday’s match was the second and final fixture between the two sides in the group stage.
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