Why UEFA cannot investigate Israel vs Ireland racism claim as little-known rule emerges

UEFA have told the Football Association of Ireland that they cannot investigation a racism claim made in the 3-0 win over Israel because protocol was not followed.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's travelled to Debrecen, Hungary to play Israel in a highly controversial Nations League fixture which saw goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu confirm a boycott.

The Bolton Wanderers player put out a statement where he expressed his "personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong" and said he did not feel it was right to play. The game did go ahead as planned but saw Ireland's players bow their heads when the Israeli national anthem played, as well as sporting black armbands.

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Why UEFA cannot investigate Ireland racism claim

There were no handshakes between any players, including captains Dara O'Shea and Manor Solomon.

But there was another serious issue which emerged during the game. It's alleged that Swansea City striker Adam Idah had racist chants directed at him in the first half and midfielder Jayson Molumby heard them.

The West Brom midfielder is understood to have alerted both referee Harms Osmers and the fourth official Florian Exner, telling them to “listen".

However, as per the Irish Times, the UEFA representative at the Nagyerdei Stadium informed the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) that they cannot investigate.

It's claimed the correct protocol prevents the matter from going any further as Molumby did not specifically reference a racial incident.

Idah is said to be unsure whether he heard any racist chants and is said to be doing well. Still, the FA intends to continue looking into the incident by focusing on footage from the stadium and audio from pitchside microphones.

A spokesperson from the FAI said: “We’re going to review the video evidence from the game and try and determine if there is any evidence of racism.

"If we believe that to be the case, we will send [the evidence] to Uefa demanding an investigation into the incident.”

Manor Solomon slams Ireland in shocking rant after Israel's 3-0 loss

The game was a particularly fiery one and Solomon, now playing his football for West Ham, proceeded to lay into Ireland after the game.

Expressing pride at being Israel, he said he was unable to say exactly what he wanted to say as he risked being hit with a suspension.

"They said nonsense during the game, I don't want to comment on them," Solomon said, speaking to Israeli TV.

"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.

"What they did with the anthem? I'm not interested in them, we have a country that is ten times better than theirs, stronger, an amazing country with amazing people, proud to wear the national "team's uniform and be Israelis.

"I am proud of our country and our soldiers, they can do any number of things. We are Israelis and love the country, winning is what it will be."

Israel and Ireland will play again in the Nations League on Sunday 4 October in Serbia.

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