Ireland coach ‘delighted’ Nations League games against Israel are over after spitting controversy

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said he was “absolutely delighted” the team’s Nations League fixtures against Israel were over after allegations that an Israeli player spat at an Ireland coaching staff member during Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

The allegation was made by Ireland coach Damien Doyle, who reportedly accused an Israeli player of spitting at him after the half-time whistle. Asked about the incident, Hallgrimsson declined to provide details.

“I was there. I’m not going to comment. It’s something a disciplinary committee will look at,” he told reporters.

Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had already left the sideline at half-time and did not see what happened. He said he would check the incident and respond later.

The match in Serbia was the second meeting between the teams in two weeks and was played behind closed doors.

Ireland had faced calls from some supporters and politicians to boycott the fixtures, while the Football Association of Ireland opted to stage Sunday’s match without spectators.

The tense atmosphere continued on the pitch, with no pre-match handshakes or exchange of pennants. Players from both teams bowed their heads during the opposing national anthem. Ireland players again wore black armbands commemorating victims of Israel’s war in Gaza, while Israeli players wore black armbands in memory of victims of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Troy Parrott put Ireland ahead with a 39th-minute penalty, but Dor Peretz equalised shortly after half-time with Israel’s first shot on target. Israel hit the woodwork twice in the second half, but neither side found a winner.

The result left Ireland third in Group B3 with five points, three behind leaders Austria and level on points with Kosovo, who are second on goal difference. Israel remains bottom with two points.

Hallgrimsson praised his players for dealing with the pressure surrounding the fixtures.

“It’s taken a toll on us all,” he said, adding that he wished no national team would have to go through what Ireland had experienced over the previous two weeks.