Why UEFA Can’t Look Into Racism Claim in Israel vs Ireland Game Due to Unfamiliar Rule
UEFA has told the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) that they can’t investigate a racism claim made during Ireland’s 3-0 win over Israel because the right steps weren’t followed.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team traveled to Debrecen, Hungary to play Israel in a very controversial Nations League match, where goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu chose to boycott the game. The Bolton Wanderers player shared a statement saying he believes “the killing of innocent people is wrong” and didn’t feel it was right to play. The match went ahead, but Ireland’s players bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem and wore black armbands as a sign of protest.
There were no handshakes between players, including captains Dara O’Shea and Manor Solomon.
Another serious issue came up during the game. It’s reported that Swansea City striker Adam Idah faced racist chants in the first half, and midfielder Jayson Molumby heard them. Molumby reportedly told both the referee, Harms Osmers, and the fourth official, Florian Exner, to “listen.”
However, according to the Irish Times, the UEFA official at the stadium told the FAI they can’t investigate the incident. It’s said that because Molumby didn’t clearly call it a racist incident, the rules stop things moving forward.
Idah is unsure if he actually heard racist chants and is said to be doing fine. Still, the FAI plans to keep checking this by reviewing video footage and audio from the stadium.
A spokesperson from the FAI said, “We’re going to look over the game footage carefully to see if there’s any proof of racism. If we find any, we’ll send it to UEFA and ask for a proper investigation.”
The match was very heated, and after the game, Manor Solomon, now playing for West Ham, criticized Ireland. Proud of being Israeli, he said he couldn’t say everything he wanted because he might get suspended.
“They said nonsense during the game, but I don’t want to comment too much,” Solomon told Israeli TV. “Of course they hate us and we don’t like them. I’m already looking forward to playing them again — it will be very different.
“What they did with the anthem? I’m not interested. We have a country that is stronger and better in many ways. I’m proud to wear the team’s uniform and be Israeli.
“I love my country and our soldiers. We can do a lot. We are proud and focused on winning.”
Israel and Ireland will face each other again in the Nations League on Sunday, October 4, in Serbia.