New Zealand rugby union coach and former player, head coach of Italy national team
UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector following a tense Nations League double against Ireland and Israel. Reports allege an Israeli player spat at Ireland’s fitness chief; Ireland’s coach says the rounds were marked by intimidation attempts. Both matches ended 3-0 and 1-1 respectively, with Ireland citing security and protest concerns.
Ireland and Israel played a Nations League match with Ireland’s captain avoiding a handshake with Israel’s captain, while both teams wore black armbands. Ireland voted to proceed with the fixtures amid Gaza war pressure; Bazunu withdrew, citing a personal belief against killing. The match was held at a neutral venue for operational reasons.
Ireland has drawn 1-1 with Israel in the Nations League return match in Backa Topola, Serbia, after a politically charged build-up. The fixture has produced allegations of spitting and verbal abuse, a halted press conference and continued FAI and UEFA inquiries into incidents from the first leg and fan behaviour.