Uefa has initiated a disciplinary investigation following claims that a member of the Republic of Ireland coaching staff was spat at during Sunday's Nations League encounter with Israel. The European governing body confirmed that post-match reports from match officials included an allegation of an incident occurring in or near the tunnel at half-time.
The investigation will focus on potential misconduct from player(s). Witnesses at the match, held in Backa Topola, Serbia, reportedly heard an Irish staff member, understood to be fitness coach Damian Doyle, claim he was spat on by an Israeli player.
However, a spokesperson for the Israeli Football Association has denied these reports, stating that "no one had spat towards the coach." Ireland's coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, mentioned that his team had faced several provocations leading up to the match and praised his players for managing their emotions.
This investigation is likely to prolong the tensions that have marked the recent double-header between Ireland and Israel, which has been described as a geopolitical flashpoint.