Spitting incident heightens tensions in Ireland-Israel draw

A spitting incident added to tensions as Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

The match was played behind closed doors in Serbia, with neither side able to secure a victory.

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said he felt Israel had been “trying to intimidate” his team during the encounter. His comments reflected his assessment of the Israeli side’s approach to the match.

Details of the spitting incident, including who was involved, were not provided in the available account. Hallgrimsson’s remarks did not specify a direct link between that incident and his claim of intimidation.