Irish Player Accused of Racist Slur Against Israeli Soccer Player

During a Nations League match where Ireland defeated Israel 3-0, Irish player Jason Molumby allegedly called Israeli player Eliel Peretz a "monkey." Israeli team members reported that Molumby had been cursing at them throughout the game. Molumby, however, complained to the referees about alleged racist remarks directed at his teammate, Adam Idah. The officials dismissed these claims, meaning the incident will not be officially recorded in the match report, thus preventing disciplinary action against the Irish Football Association.

Molumby has a history of disciplinary issues. Earlier in the 2024-25 season, he was suspended for five games and fined £16,000 for punching an opponent during a friendly match, which escalated into a brawl on the field. In another incident during the 2025-26 season, he received two yellow cards within 18 minutes, resulting in a red card and ejection. His club, West Bromwich Albion, had an appeal against one of his red cards rejected.

Molumby began his career at Brighton, where he played alongside current Israeli players Biram Kayal and Tomer Hemed. He played with Hemed in what was his senior debut. Peretz, a defensive midfielder, played 88 minutes in the match and is expected to start in the return leg.