Ireland and Israel draw 1-1 in tense Nations League meeting
Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in a Nations League match marked by political tension and an allegation that an Israeli player spat at an Irish coach. Troy Parrott gave Ireland the lead from a penalty before Dor Peretz equalised, leaving Ireland third and Israel bottom of Group B3.
Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in their second Nations League meeting, a match played against a backdrop of political tension. Troy Parrott put Ireland ahead with a 39th-minute penalty. Dor Peretz equalised immediately after half-time with Israel’s first effort on target.
Irish media reported that Ireland coach Damien Doyle accused an Israeli player of spitting at him after the half-time whistle. Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the incident would be considered by a disciplinary committee and declined to provide details. Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had not seen what happened because he had already left for the dressing room.
He said he would investigate. There were no pre-match handshakes or exchanges of pennants. Players bowed their heads during the opposing national anthems, while both teams wore black armbands commemorating people connected to the conflict.
Ireland had won the first meeting 3-0 behind closed doors in Hungary. Sunday’s match was also played without supporters, in Serbia. The draw left Ireland third in Group B3 on five points, three behind leaders Austria.
Kosovo were second on goal difference, while Israel remained bottom with two points.
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