Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson claimed Israel attempted to unsettle his side amid accusations that an Israeli player spat at a member of Ireland’s staff during Sunday’s heated Uefa Nations League draw.
Tensions rose between the teams at half-time in the 1-1 match, which took place without spectators in Serbia. The Irish Times, external reported that Ireland’s head of athletic performance, Damien Doyle, alleged that an Israel player had spat at him.
Television footage captured someone saying that he had been spat on while the players headed through the tunnel at TSC Arena.
Hallgrimsson told Off The Ball, external that he did not want to become involved in the dispute, adding that both matches had been tense and emotionally charged.
He said an allegation had been made about someone being spat on, although he had not witnessed it himself. He expected the incident, along with other events involving the two sides, to be examined.
Hallgrimsson believed Ireland faced attempts at intimidation from the opening whistle, but praised his players for remaining calm. He said the match could easily have produced numerous yellow and red cards, yet his team kept its composure and managed its emotions effectively.
Israel manager Ran Ben-Shimon said he had not witnessed the half-time incident.
He explained that he had been in his room inside the dressing-room area with his staff during the interval.
Ben-Shimon added that he would investigate what happened and respond once he had more information.
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