UEFA investigates spitting allegations against Ireland staff member
The reason was the statement of the employee of the national team of Ireland Damien Doyle, who claims that he spit Israeli footballer. Israeli Association Rejects Allegations, UEFA Appoints Inspector
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has launched a disciplinary investigation into an alleged spitting incident during a Nations League match between Ireland and Israel (1-1), The Athletic reports.
According to The Irish Times, the incident occurred at half-time as teams headed to locker rooms. Between the players and the staff of both teams broke out. Then the head of the fitness department of the Irish team Damien Doyle said that the Israeli player spat at him.
“After reviewing official reports which contained allegations of an incident in or near the tunnel during the half-time of the match, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector was appointed to conduct an appropriate disciplinary investigation into possible misconduct by players,” a UEFA spokesman said.
The Israeli Football Association, in a comment to The Athletic, denied the allegations, saying "no one spit at the coach": "We insisted that during these two matches we had to behave as sporty as ever, no matter what provocation the Irish side decided on.".
The teams met in the Nations League on September 27 and October 4. Both meetings took place on neutral territory (Hungary and Serbia) for security reasons, but were accompanied by demonstrative protests and boycotts.
The Irish government has taken a tough stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. In December 2024, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin, accusing Ireland of "extremely anti-Israel policies" and "anti-Semitic rhetoric.".
