FAI take action as details of alleged Israel fan chants emerge following Adam Idah racism claim
The Football Association of Ireland have opened an investigation into suggestions that striker Adam Idah was racially abused by Israeli fans during Ireland’s 3-0 win in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.
It has been widely reported that midfielder Jayson Molumby raised the issue with match officials during the match, which took place at the neutral venue in Debrecen, Hungary.
After the match, the officials reportedly told FAI officials that they did not personally hear the alleged racist chants coming from the Israeli fans.
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Israeli supporters accused of racist chanting
A UEFA match delegate told the FAI that no clear allegation of racism was reported and, therefore, a UEFA investigation could not take place. The FAI have since opened their own investigation and will review video footage and audio recordings to establish whether Idah was racially abused.
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Idah, who was one of Ireland’s three goalscorers alongside Troy Parrott and Jack Moylan, was said to be unaware of the alleged chants during the match but is now being supported by members of the FAI and his teammates ahead of the return fixture in Serbia on October 4.
It has since been reported by the Arabic news outlet Al Jazeera that Idah was targeted with “monkey chants”, with videos circulating on social media.
Several Israeli supporters also chanted about the country’s military, with Youseph Haddad, a member of an Israeli right-wing party, recording a video in the stands before posting it on social media.
“Yes, we lose in football, but where we don’t lose, the IDF [Israeli Defence Force]. We always win,” he said.
“So maybe the football Irish team beat us on the football field, but they will never, ever break the Israeli spirit.”
It remains unclear whether UEFA will open disciplinary proceedings against Israel.
What else has happened involving Ireland and Israel?
Ahead of the match, Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad following a meeting with his teammates.
“I am a man of strong faith and try my best to be a person of character and principle. Therefore, I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel.”
Then, on Sunday, team captain Dara O’Shea and Manor Solomon did not shake hands, while Ireland’s players, wearing black armbands, bowed their heads during Israel’s anthem.
The FAI chief executive said the wearing of black armbands was to recognise “all lives lost” in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Meanwhile, it has since emerged that Solomon and Ireland defender Jake O’Brien became embroiled in an angry exchange on the field of play, with the Everton defender allegedly saying: “Shame on you for what you’re doing in Gaza. You deserve to lose.”
“Come out, be a man,” Solomon replied. “Don’t talk behind a wall. It’s a shame the game wasn’t in Israel, you would understand what the best country in the world is.”
Addressing the moment in a post-match interview, the West Ham winger said: “They said nonsense during the game, I don’t want to comment on them.
“If I say what I think about them I’ll probably be banned for a few games so I don’t want to say, of course they hate us and we don’t like them.
“I’m already looking forward to the next game against them, it’s going to be completely different.”
He added: “I'm waiting for the next game against them, it’ll be a completely different game entirely.
“They (the Irish players) don’t interest me. We have a country ten times better than theirs, stronger, an amazing country with amazing people.
“We are proud to wear the team shirt and to be Israelis. We are proud of our state and of our soldiers.
“They can play all their tricks. We are Israelis and love the country. And that will always be the case.
“If I say what I think of them, I’d likely be suspended for a few matches.
“Obviously they hate us. We don’t like them.”
Ireland return to action at home against Austria on October 1, with Israel hosting Kosovo on the same day.
Topics: Football, Republic of Ireland, UEFA Nations League, Football News
Luke Davies