{
  "id": 12399471,
  "title": "UEFA investigates Ireland-Israel tunnel bust-up after spitting claim",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/uefa-investigates-ireland-israel-tunnel-bust-up-after-spitting-claim-12399471",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T14:50:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/uefa-investigates-ireland-israel-tunnel-bust-up-after-spitting-claim/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "UEFA has opened an investigation into a tunnel incident during a Nations League game between the Republic of Ireland and Israel. The investigation follows an allegation that an Israeli player spat at a member of Ireland's coaching staff at half-time. According to the Gulf News, Ireland's athletic coach Damien Doyle made the allegation.\n\nThe incident occurred during the match at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed that there was an accusation of spitting, but declined to comment further, saying it was a matter for a disciplinary committee.\n\nUEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to conduct the investigation into potential misconduct by player(s). The Football Association of Ireland has been contacted for comment, reports BBC Sport.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTE News",
        "title": "UEFA to investigate flashpoint after spitting allegation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/uefa-to-investigate-flashpoint-after-spitting-allegation",
        "published": "2026-10-06T09:13:47.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "UEFA to investigate spitting incident at Ireland-Israel football match",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/uefa-to-investigate-spitting-incident-at-ireland-israel-football-match",
        "published": "2026-10-06T10:15:47.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "UEFA set to investigate alleged spitting incident in Ireland-Israel clash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/uefa-set-to-investigate-alleged-spitting-incident-in-ireland-israel",
        "published": "2026-10-06T12:31:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "UEFA investigates Ireland-Israel tunnel bust-up after spitting claim",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/uefa-investigates-ireland-israel-tunnel-bust-up-after-spitting-claim",
        "published": "2026-10-06T14:24:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}