Arabic version: اتهام جماهير إسرائيلية بإطلاق هتافات عنصرية في مباراة أمام أيرلندا

According to Al Jazeera, Israeli supporters were accused of directing racist chants at Republic of Ireland forward Adam Idah during a UEFA Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary. Ireland won the politically charged Group B3 fixture 3-0 at Nagyerdei Stadium, with Idah among the scorers.

Videos circulating on social media showed what were described as “monkey chants” targeting the 25-year-old Ireland international, who was born to a Nigerian father and an Irish mother. Irish midfielder Jayson Molumby heard the chants before half-time and asked the referee and fourth official to listen, an FAI spokesperson told The Irish Times.

Irish media reports said UEFA confirmed racist abuse towards Idah occurred, but said the matter could not be investigated because required protocols were not followed. A UEFA delegate told the Football Association of Ireland that Molumby had not explicitly mentioned racism to officials and they had not heard the chanting. Al Jazeera said it contacted UEFA and the FAI for comment on possible sanctions.

Israeli supporter Youseph Haddad, a member of an Israeli right-wing party and candidate in upcoming parliamentary elections, also filmed supporters chanting about Israel’s military after the defeat. It was unclear whether the slogans would be classed as “negative behaviour” under UEFA spectator rules. UEFA regulations allow penalties ranging from fines to stadium closures and bans on away-ticket sales after disciplinary investigations.

The match had faced boycott pressure linked to Israel’s war on Gaza. Ireland’s players wore black armbands in support of Palestinians killed in Gaza, bowed their heads during Israel’s national anthem and did not shake hands with the Israeli team. Captain Dara O’Shea pledged to donate his match earnings to aid Gaza, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted out of both fixtures, including the October 4 match in Backa Topola, Serbia.