Ireland and Israel draw 1-1 amid half-time spitting allegation

The Republic of Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in their Nations League match in Backa Topola, Serbia, on October 4, after Ireland fitness coach Damien Doyle alleged that an Israeli player spat at him as the teams left the pitch at half-time. The allegation was reported by the match account but was not independently substantiated in the available reporting. The claim prompted a melee involving members of both teams, according to that account, and referee Juan Martínez Munuera urged players to remain composed. Ireland had taken the lead through Troy Parrott’s first-half penalty. Israel equalised early in the second half, leaving the sides to share the points. The match was played behind closed doors at TSC Arena, with Ireland designated as the home side despite the fixture taking place in Serbia. The game was the second meeting between the teams in a week and came amid political controversy and calls to boycott the fixture. Ireland had won the first match 3-0 in Hungary. Tensions were also reported during the teams’ departure from the pitch after the final whistle.