Arabic version: هالجريمسون يقول إن إسرائيل حاولت ترهيب أيرلندا
According to BBC News, Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said he felt Israel were “trying to intimidate” his side during Sunday’s tense 1-1 Uefa Nations League draw in Serbia. The match at TSC Arena was played behind closed doors, and the teams clashed as they headed down the tunnel at half-time.
The Irish Times reported that Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle alleged an Israel player spat at him. Television pictures captured a voice saying, “he spat on me” as players went towards the tunnel. Hallgrimsson said he did not see the incident and did not want to become involved, adding that the accusation would probably be reviewed along with other events between the teams.
Hallgrimsson said the two matches had been tense and emotional, but credited his players for staying calm. He said the contest could have become a game of yellow and red cards, while describing his side as composed in controlling their emotions. Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had been in the dressing room with his staff at half-time and had not seen anything. He said he would respond after checking the incident.
Tensions had already increased after the Republic of Ireland’s pre-match news conference ended abruptly when Hallgrimsson was asked about allegations of racism by Irish players in the previous match in Hungary. FAI communications manager Kieran Crowley said the allegations were “completely untrue”. The FAI is also investigating whether Ireland forward Adam Idah was racially abused by Israel fans in Debrecen, after midfielder Jayson Molumby asked officials to listen for what he believed was abusive chanting.
Ben-Shimon denied that his players had targeted Molumby, saying it was “nothing personal” against the West Brom midfielder. He said he would never instruct a player to injure an opponent. Both fixtures were held at neutral venues after the teams were drawn together in Group B3, with the FAI deciding to fulfil the matches despite calls for Ireland to withdraw.
