UEFA Won't Investigate Racist Chants Claim by Ireland Against Israeli Fans

UEFA has confirmed it will not investigate a claim by the Irish national team that Israeli fans directed racist chants at Irish player Adam Idah during a Nations League match. The decision comes because the required protocol was not followed.

According to the Football Association of Ireland, midfielder Jayson Molumby reported hearing the alleged chants before halftime. He asked the German referee, Harm Osmers, and the fourth official, Florian Exner, to listen. However, Molumby did not specify that the incident was racist, and the referees themselves did not hear anything.

Following Ireland's 3-0 victory, a UEFA representative informed the Irish FA that an investigation could not be opened. Meanwhile, Gavin Bazunu will be available for Ireland's third Nations League match against Austria. Bazunu had informed coach Heimir Hallgrímsson on Saturday morning that he would not play against Israel in Hungary, nor in the subsequent match against Serbia, which will be played without an audience.

Hallgrímsson stated that Bazunu's availability depends on his personal feelings, emphasizing the team's support regardless of his decision. He also noted the difficulty in making the decision to play the match against Israel, with information from private player discussions seemingly leaking. The coach expressed hope for strong support from Irish fans in the upcoming game against Austria, praising his players' performance and representation of Ireland.