UEFA appoints inspector to investigate halftime allegation

UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate an allegation of player misconduct during the Ireland-Israel Nations League match in Serbia, after official reports recorded an incident in or around the tunnel at halftime. The appointment does not establish that spitting occurred; UEFA has not announced a finding in the supplied information. Ireland athletic coach Damien Doyle was reported to have alleged that an Israeli player spat at him as the teams left the pitch at halftime on October 4. The match at TSC Arena in Backa Topola ended 1-1. UEFA said it reviewed the official reports before appointing an inspector to conduct the disciplinary investigation into potential misconduct by players. Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said he was present but declined to discuss the allegation, saying it would be reviewed by a disciplinary committee. Israel manager Ran Ben-Shimon said he was in the dressing room with his staff at halftime and did not see what happened. He said he would check on the incident. The allegation has not been independently established in the available information.