Hallgrimsson says Israel 'tried to intimidate' Ireland amid spitting allegation

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said he believed Israel attempted to intimidate his players during Sunday's Uefa Nations League match, which ended 1-1 and was played behind closed doors in Serbia.

According to a report by the Irish Times, Ireland's head of athletic performance, Damien Doyle, alleged he had been spat at by an Israeli player during the half-time break. Television footage captured a voice referencing the alleged spitting as players walked through the tunnel.

Speaking to Off The Ball, Hallgrimsson said he did not witness the incident himself and was reluctant to comment further, but acknowledged that tension had defined both matches between the sides. He said he felt Israel tried to unsettle his team from kick-off, but praised his players for remaining composed rather than risking bookings or dismissals.

Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had been in the dressing room with his staff at half-time and saw nothing, adding he would look into the matter. He also rejected suggestions that his players had deliberately targeted Ireland midfielder Jason Molumby following a complaint Molumby made after the previous match, insisting his team does not instruct players to play with intent to injure.

The two fixtures, both staged at neutral venues, have been contentious since February, when Ireland and Israel were drawn together in Nations League Group B3. The pairing has drawn sustained criticism from campaigners, including the Irish Sport for Palestine group's "Stop The Game" protests, amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu chose not to be available for the games, calling participation wrong for him personally, though the Football Association of Ireland opted to fulfil both fixtures. Pre-match formalities were skipped in both games, and Irish players bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem.