Backa Topola:UEFA opened an investigation after an Israeli player was accused of spitting at a member of Ireland's coaching staff during a Nations League match in Serbia.

According to Anadolu Agency, the incident allegedly occurred as the teams left the pitch at halftime during the 1-1 draw at TSC Arena in Backa Topola. Damien Doyle, Ireland's head of athletic performance, claimed that an Israeli player spat at him. The match, originally an Ireland home game, was moved to a neutral venue in Serbia and played without spectators due to 'operational challenges,' as cited by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

UEFA confirmed that an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector had been appointed to investigate the incident following the review of official reports. The inspector will look into 'potential misconducts from player(s)' during the match.

Ireland's head coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, mentioned that Israeli players attempted to intimidate his team from the start. During the match, Troy Parrott scored for Ireland from the penalty spot in the first half, but Israel's captain, Dor Peretz, equalized shortly after the break.

Ireland had previously defeated Israel 3-0 in their Nations League meeting in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27. In both matches, Irish players wore black armbands, bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem, and refrained from shaking hands with their opponents before the game.