Ireland staff ‘spat at’ in tense Israel clash as Nations League allegation made

Republic of Ireland fitness coach Damien Doyle alleged he was spat at by an Israel player during a tense Nations League fixture on Sunday. The match, played behind closed doors at a neutral venue in Backa Topola, Serbia due to security concerns, ended in a 1-1 draw. A scuffle broke out between both teams as they headed toward the dressing rooms.

Troy Parrott opened the scoring from the penalty spot for Ireland before Dor Peretz equalized for Israel early in the second half. The encounter was surrounded by heightened political friction following remarks by Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu's refusal to play amid the conflict in Gaza.