Ireland manager Hallgrimsson accuses Israel of intimidation during Nations League draw

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson stated that Israel tried to intimidate his team during a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday. The match was played behind closed doors in Serbia. The BBC and Yahoo Sports both report that the teams clashed at half-time following allegations of spitting in the tunnel. [1][2][3]

BBC Sport reported that Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle alleged that an Israeli player spat at him during the confrontation. The Irish Independent reported that Hallgrimsson refused to address the spitting claims directly, but insisted that the opposition intended to intimidate his squad. Television broadcasts picked up audio of an individual stating that someone had spat on them. [1][6]

Hallgrimsson is an Icelandic professional football manager who leads the Republic of Ireland national team. Sky Sports reported that his pre-match press conference on Saturday was cut short after tense exchanges with members of the Israeli media. RTE reported that Hallgrimsson wants UEFA to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future international draws. [4][5][10]

ESPN reported that Hallgrimsson described the fixture as a defining moment for his Ireland team after tempers flared on the pitch. The result leaves both teams continuing their respective UEFA Nations League campaigns. [7]