UEFA, European football's governing body, said it will open a disciplinary investigation into an incident involving an Israel player accused of spitting at a member of Ireland's coaching staff during Sunday's Nations League second leg.
In a statement sent by email, UEFA told Al Jazeera the investigation will examine "any potential misconduct by the player" in the match played in Serbia.
"Following a review of the official reports containing an allegation of an incident occurring in or around the tunnel area at half-time, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a proper disciplinary investigation into the potential misconduct of the player," the full statement read.
Tensions flared and words were exchanged both on and off the pitch at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola on Sunday.
After the match, Irish media reported that Ireland fitness coach Damien Doyle alleged an Israel player spat at him after the first half ended.
Asked about the spitting incident at the post-match press conference, Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson declined to give details.
"I was there. I won't comment. It's something a disciplinary committee will look at," he said.
Hallgrimsson acknowledged there were several incidents that could have escalated during the match.
"We were clever enough to stop it before it went too far," he told Ireland's public broadcaster RTE after the match.
"I felt it was [Israel's] intention, to intimidate us and make us do something stupid. I give great credit to the players and how they controlled their emotions."
Israel coach Ran Ben-Shimon said he had left the touchline area at the time of the incident and did not see anything.
"At half-time, I was in the dressing room, in my room with the coaching staff; I didn't see anything. When I review and check, I will answer you," he told reporters.
