John Fallon: Covering Ireland's games with Israel was like nothing experienced before

Racism, spitting, intimidation, surveillance. Add in espionage without a hint of paranoia.

Players and officials, including Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and Republic of Ireland head of athletic performance Damien Doyle, centre, during the UEFA Nations League B match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel at TSC Arena. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

As if this international window didn’t deliver a sufficient quota of surreal moments for Ireland, along came Uri Geller to chip in.

The world’s most famous spoon bender has formed part of the commentary around Ireland’s approach to their pair of games against Israel and to culminate, posted one of his metal objects wrought into a V-sign.