Ex-Fifa official: Ireland and Israel 'will be investigated' after 'deplorable' scenes

Ireland's 1-1 Nations League draw with Israel is set to be investigated by UEFA after tempers flared during the half-time break.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that both nations could be punished for the scenes going viral on social media.

Troy Parrott took the lead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Jimmy Dunne was taken down inside the area by Dor Peretz.

Israel's captain would make amends just moments into the second half, firing the equaliser past Brentford's Caoimhin Kelleher on Sunday, 4 October.

Despite the build-up due to Ireland's pro-Palestinian beliefs, emotions very rarely flared on the pitch, with the referee only having to dish out four yellow cards.

However, staff members couldn't stop themselves, with allegations emerging from Irish staff that they had been spat at by a member of the opposition.

Ireland and Israel could face 'all sorts of consequences'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett believes that UEFA will take this very seriously, with an investigation almost certain at this point.

"I think the allegation will be clearly looked at and investigated. Spitting is rightly seen as 'violent conduct' on the field of play and in the laws of the game," he said.

"It has all sorts of consequences. It's an action that is deplorable if it took place. So you can understand an action like that sparking the fury of the recipient.

"So for me, I think I'm quite clear, it shouldn't happen. It will be investigated. Okay, the game went ahead and was played reasonably without controversy.

"The reality is that they'll still look at it and if they need to punish, they will, because it damages the image of the game."

Heimir Hallgrimsson makes bold request

Things were always bound to kick off one way or another, and that's exactly what happened as the players went down the tunnel for half-time.

Oscar Gloukh also tried going for Jayson Molumby after the full-time whistle before being dragged away by one of the staff members.

With the game forced to be behind closed doors, Heimir Hallgrimsson spoke about never facing Israel again in these competitions to avoid further conflict.

He said: "I wouldn’t wish any national team to go through what we’ve gone through in these two weeks, so maybe UEFA just needs to step in and do something.”