Idah, who scored Ireland’s second goal in the comfortable victory at the Nagyerdei Stadium, was targeted by sections of the Israeli support. Videos circulating on social media appeared to capture the chants directed at the 25-year-old, who was born to a Nigerian father and an Irish mother.
Ireland midfielder Jayson Molumby reported hearing the abuse before half-time and asked the referee and fourth official to listen. However, UEFA has indicated that a formal investigation cannot proceed because the correct protocols were not followed. A UEFA delegate informed the Football Association of Ireland that Molumby did not explicitly mention racism to the officials and that the match officials themselves did not hear the chanting.
In addition to the alleged racist abuse, an Israeli supporter filmed himself in the stands leading chants about the Israeli military. The video shows the fan declaring that while Israel may have lost on the football pitch, “they will never, ever break the Israeli spirit.”
UEFA’s disciplinary regulations allow for penalties ranging from fines to stadium bans when national associations’ supporters are found guilty of improper behaviour. Al Jazeera has sought clarification from UEFA on whether the Israel Football Association will face any inquiry over the incidents.
The match itself had been highly contentious in the build-up. Ireland’s players wore black armbands in solidarity with Palestinians, bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem and declined pre-match handshakes. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had withdrawn from the squad, stating it would be wrong for him to take part.
Ireland’s first-half goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan secured a dominant win and their first points of the Nations League campaign. The return fixture is scheduled for next month.
The allegations of racist chanting have added a further layer of controversy to an already politically charged fixture.