UEFA opens probe into alleged misconduct during Ireland-Israel soccer match

UEFA opened a disciplinary investigation into alleged misconduct involving players during the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League match against Israel in Serbia, the European soccer governing body said following the Sunday fixture.

"Following a review of the official reports which contained an allegation of an incident in or around the tunnel at half-time, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct the appropriate disciplinary investigation regarding potential misconducts from player(s) on the occasion of the UEFA Nations League 2027 League Phase match between Republic of Ireland and Israel, played on 4 October 2026 in Backa Topola, Serbia," a UEFA statement said.

The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was played in Serbia after the Football Association of Ireland opted to host the fixture at a neutral venue behind closed doors following protests in Ireland over playing the matches amid Israel's war in Gaza.

Israel and Ireland had also met in Hungary the previous week, with the Irish squad voting on whether to play the fixture following goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu's withdrawal from the contentious matches between the two sides.

Ireland went on to win that match 3-0.

Teams forgo handshakes during politically charged match

There were no pre-match handshakes or exchanges of pennants between the teams in either fixture.

Both sides wore black armbands during the match in Serbia. Ireland wore black armbands in both games to commemorate victims of the conflict in Gaza, while Israel wore them on Sunday in memory of the victims of the October 7 attack that sparked the war.