FAI investigating racist chants at UEFA match

Football Association Ireland (FAI) are investigating alleged abuse directed at Irish players by Israeli fans at the recent UEFA match in Hungary.

During the highly contentious Ireland - Israeli match, Israeli fans could be heard making monkey noises when Irish player Adam Idah had control of the ball. 

During the match, midfielder Jayson Molumby asked match referee Harms Osmers and the fourth official Florian Exner to listen to alleged monkey chants. However, due to UEFA protocol, the claims could not be investigated because Molumby did not use the word 'racism'.

According to an article in the Irish Examiner, the FAI are also investigating claims of racial abuse directed at Waterford-born player James Abankwah. 

John Fallon reported: "Despicable chants were audible from the Israel section of the mostly empty stadium during the first of two Uefa Nations League games between the teams."

Before kickoff, Irish players bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, in honour of the 78,000 Palestinian people murdered by the Israeli regime since October 2023.  

Ireland won 3-0 against Israel but are set for a rematch this Sunday at Backa Topola, Serbia.

After the match on Sunday, Israel captain Manor Solomon said: "I'm waiting for the next game against them - it will be a completely different game entirely.

"They don't interest me. We have a country 10 times better than theirs - stronger, an amazing country with amazing people."