The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has begun investigating allegations that Republic of Ireland forward Adam Idah was racially abused by Israel supporters during Sunday’s 3-0 Uefa Nations League victory in Debrecen, Hungary.
The investigation follows concerns raised during the match by Ireland midfielder Jayson Molumby, who reportedly alerted match officials to what he believed was abusive chanting from a section of the Israel supporters.
Although officials subsequently told FAI staff that they had not heard racist chanting, the association has decided to conduct its own review of footage and audio recordings from the match.
The FAI said it is gathering high-quality match footage, including recordings from pitchside microphones, to determine whether Idah was subjected to racial abuse.
A panel will analyse the material and, if it finds evidence supporting the allegation, the FAI intends to lodge a formal complaint with Uefa and request a further investigation.
The incident was not formally reported as racism during the match, meaning the usual Uefa protocols were not activated. The FAI was reportedly informed by the Uefa match delegate that a Uefa investigation could not begin because no clear allegation of racism had been made during the game.
Idah, who scored Ireland’s second goal, was reportedly unaware of any alleged abuse at the time. He is being supported by teammates and members of the coaching staff ahead of Ireland’s remaining fixtures during the international break.
The allegations add another layer to an already contentious series of fixtures between Ireland and Israel.
Sunday’s match, officially an Ireland home fixture, was moved to Debrecen, where around 300 Israel supporters attended while no tickets were made available to Irish fans.
The game had faced uncertainty before kick-off following protests by Irish supporters and politicians over the FAI’s decision to fulfil its fixtures against Israel.
The FAI had earlier voted to proceed with the matches amid concerns that withdrawing could expose Ireland to potential sanctions, including fines or expulsion from competitions.
The association has also asked Uefa to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future competition draws.
The two teams did not exchange pennants or shake hands before Sunday’s match, while Ireland players bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem.
Ireland’s players also wore black armbands, with winger Jack Moylan kissing his armband after scoring the third goal in what he described as recognition of lives lost in the conflict.
Israel captain Manor Solomon, meanwhile, criticised the atmosphere surrounding the fixture and said the teams had developed strong mutual hostility.
The FAI’s review will determine whether the alleged abuse can be substantiated and whether the matter is subsequently referred to Uefa for disciplinary consideration.
