UEFA opens investigation into Dor Turgeman's spit against Ireland

UEFA has opened a formal disciplinary investigation following a claim by Ireland national team fitness coach Damien Doyle that Dor Turgeman spat at him during a melee at halftime of the Nations League match between Israel and Ireland. Ireland's coach accused Israel of intimidation attempts, while Ran Ben Shimon clarified he saw nothing.

UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations) has opened a formal disciplinary investigation following an unusual incident during the Nations League match between the national teams of Israel and Ireland, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Serbia behind closed doors. At the center of the investigation is the claim by Damien Doyle, head fitness coach of the Ireland national team, that striker Dor Turgeman spat at him during a melee that occurred as the teams headed to the dressing rooms at halftime. Ireland's coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, confirmed that a formal complaint was filed and added that in his opinion, Israeli players tried to intimidate his players from the opening whistle. In response, Israel's coach Ran Ben Shimon clarified that he was not witness to the incident, as he was in the dressing room with the professional staff. The political and sporting tension between the teams has accompanied the meetings since February, with calls to boycott the matches due to the war in Gaza. UEFA has appointed a special ethics and discipline inspector to lead the investigation.