FAI to examine video evidence before acting on alleged racist chants during Israel game

Ireland midfielder Jayson Molumby urged match referee Harms Osmers to listen to chanting towards the Ireland striker. 

Israel fans gesture towards Adam Idah of Ireland. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

The FAI will study video evidence before determining if they can lodge a complaint with Uefa over the racist abuse suffered by Adam Idah and James Abankwah on Sunday.

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.

Ireland won 3-0 in Debrecen and will host Austria on Thursday before the Israeli rematch on Sunday in Backa Topola, Serbia.

Although Ireland midfielder Jayson Molumby reported the abuse to match referee Harm Osmers as they walked off at half-time, the fact he didn’t use the word racism meant the three-step procedure wasn’t invoked.

Uefa said they couldn’t investigate the matter through those channels but the FAI have since confirmed another avenue is open, once evidence is provided to the European governing body.

Sunday night’s game was an eerie encounter, barely 200 spectators inside the 20,000-capacity Nagyerdei Stadion.

A handful of Irish fans succeeded in gaining access despite the FAI refusing to accept an away ticket allocation. Next Sunday’s ‘home’ match for the FAI will be staged behind closed doors.

Israel were particularly irked by the decision of the Irish players to bow their heads during the playing of the Israel national anthem.

Their captain, West Ham United’s Manor Solomon, told Israel national TV: “They said some nonsense during the game. If I say what I think I will probably get suspended for a few games. I don’t want to say what I really think of them.

“They hate us and we don’t like them. We’re already looking forward to playing them again because it will be a completely different game.

“I’m not interested in them. Our country is ten times better than theirs. We are proud of our country and soldiers. They can pull whatever stunt they want but we love our country.”