Israeli fans direct monkey chants and military slogans at Ireland’s players

What the report says

Israeli football fans were accused of directing racist monkey chants at Republic of Ireland forward Adam Idah during a UEFA Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, according to Al Jazeera. Idah scored in Ireland’s 3-0 win, and videos shared on social media also appeared to show some Israeli supporters chanting military slogans from the stands.

Al Jazeera reported that the alleged abuse has not yet led to disciplinary action from UEFA. The article said UEFA had acknowledged the racist chanting, but that an investigation could not be opened because the required complaint procedures were not properly followed by Irish players and officials during the match. The outlet also said it had asked UEFA and the Football Association of Ireland for comment.

The match was already politically charged because of pressure to boycott Israel over the war in Gaza. Ireland players wore black armbands, bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem and did not shake hands with the opposition. Ireland captain Dara O’Shea said he would donate his match earnings to aid Gaza, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted out of the fixture entirely. The teams are in Group B3 of the UEFA Nations League, with a return match scheduled later in the week.