Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said he believes Israel were attempting to intimidate his side amid allegations of spitting during Sunday’s tense UEFA Nations League match.
The teams faced each other at halftime in a 1‑1 draw that was staged behind closed doors in Serbia; the Irish Times reported that Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle claimed he had been spat on by an Israeli player.
Television footage showed a voice saying “he spat on me” as the players walked through the tunnel at TSC Arena.
“I don’t want to get involved, but the atmosphere has been tense in both games, full of strong emotions,” Hallgrimsson told Off The Ball, external when questioned about the incident.
“It was an accusation of spitting, but I did not witness it. We do not wish to discuss it further; it will be reviewed, just as have been all other incidents between the two sides.”
“I felt they were trying to intimidate us from the start, yet I give the players great credit for staying calm. The match could have produced yellow or red cards, but we remained composed, the players controlled their emotions well.”
When asked about the half-time incident, Israel head coach Ran Ben‑Shimon said he saw nothing.
“At halftime I was in the dressing room, with my staff,” he said.
“I saw nothing. When I have the chance to review it, I will get back to you.”
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