Israel 'tried to intimidate' Irish amid spitting row - Hallgrimsson
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson accused Israel of intimidation during a tense Uefa Nations League match. The incident included allegations of spitting, which are currently under review.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the spillover of geopolitical tensions into international sports, creating significant diplomatic and disciplinary challenges for UEFA.
Image source, Inpho Image caption, The Republic of Ireland and Israel clashed at half-time
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said he felt Israel were "trying to intimidate" his team amid allegations of spitting during Sunday's tense Uefa Nations League draw.
The teams clashed at half-time in the 1-1 draw, played behind closed doors in Serbia, with the Irish Times , external reporting that Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle alleged he had been spat at by an Israel player.
On television pictures, a voice can be heard saying "he spat on me" as the players made their way down the tunnel at TSC Arena.
"I don't want to get involved in that, but it's been like this these two games. It's tense, it's a lot of emotions," Hallgrimsson told Off The Ball , external when asked about the incident.
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