The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has launched an investigation into alleged racist abuse targeting forward Adam Idah during the Republic of Ireland's 3-0 Uefa Nations League victory over Israel on Sunday. Midfielder Jayson Molumby reportedly spoke to match officials during the game, asking them to listen for what he believed was abusive chanting from some Israel fans.
After the match, officials informed FAI staff that they had not subsequently heard any racist chanting. The FAI was also told by the Uefa match delegate that a Uefa investigation could not proceed as no clear allegation of racism was reported during the game, meaning normal protocols were not followed.
The FAI is now gathering high-quality footage and audio from pitchside microphones to determine if abuse was directed at Idah. A panel will analyse these recordings, and if evidence of abuse is found, the FAI plans to make a complaint to Uefa and request a further investigation.
Idah himself was reportedly unaware of any potential abuse during the match and is receiving support from teammates and staff. The game, a 'home' fixture for the Republic of Ireland, was played in Debrecen, Hungary, with approximately 300 Israel supporters present and no tickets sold to Irish fans.