UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into a reported tunnel incident involving the Republic of Ireland and Israel during their UEFA Nations League encounter in Serbia on Sunday.

The investigation follows an allegation that a member of the Republic of Ireland coaching staff was spat at by an Israeli player during a heated confrontation at half-time of the 1-1 draw in Backa Topola.

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UEFA confirmed on Tuesday that an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector had been appointed to examine the incident and determine whether any misconduct occurred.

The European football governing body said the decision followed a review of official reports containing an allegation of an incident “in or around the tunnel at halftime”.

The inspector will conduct the appropriate disciplinary investigation regarding potential misconduct by the player or players involved.

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed after the match that there had been a confrontation but declined to provide further details.

“Yeah, I was there,” Hallgrimsson told journalists.

“I’m not going to comment on that one, that’s something that a disciplinary committee would probably look at.”

Israel head coach Ran Ben-Shimon, however, said he was unaware of what had happened when asked about the alleged incident.

“I didn’t see anything,” he said.

The latest investigation comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the two teams, who have faced each other twice within a week against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Ireland won the first encounter 3-0 in Hungary before the teams met again in Serbia, where they played out a 1-1 draw.

The political tensions were also visible before Sunday’s match. Israel’s players wore black armbands in remembrance of those killed during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack.

Irish players had previously worn black armbands as a gesture of protest against the war in Gaza.

Before the latest match, Ireland’s players again bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, while both teams declined to shake hands before kick-off.