Irish FA investigate alleged racial abuse of Adam Idah during Israel match

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FT Desk

The Football Association of Ireland is investigating alleged racist abuse towards striker Adam Idah during the 3-0 Nations League victory over Israel on Sunday.

BBC Sport reports that Idah's team-mate Jayson Molumby reported to the referee about abusive chanting from the stands from the small number of Israel fans who were in attendance at the fixture.

UEFA are not investigating the incident themselves as they apparently did not hear any racist chanting, while protocols determine that an investigation can only be made if a clear accusation of racist chanting is made during the game.

That's led to the FAI conducting their own investigation and they are set to use audio and video footage of the game to determine whether the chants were aimed specifically at Idah.

If evidence is found, a formal complaint will be made to UEFA. Idah scored in the 3-0 victory for the Irish.

There were doubts about whether the match was even going to go ahead as the Irish players reportedly considered a boycott before eventually agreeing to play. Many Irish supporters hold a strong opposition to Israel's military actions in Palestine, in which over 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since the invasion of Gaza.

One player who refused to play was goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who posted on social media:

"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."

Ireland take on Israel again next week in the reverse fixture and Israel captain Manor Salomon added fuel to the fire after the 3-0 loss, saying:

"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.

"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 would likely be suspended for a few matches. Obviously they hate us. We don't like them."

Before the game, the Ireland players refused to shake hands with their opponents and bowed their heads during the Israel national anthem.

They also wore black armbands in memory of those who have lost their lives in the Gaza region.