‘Israeli’ fans said to have directed racist “monkey chants” at Ireland’s Adam Idah

‘Israeli’ supporters directed alleged racist “monkey chants” at Republic of Ireland forward Adam Idah during their UEFA Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday.

Ireland secured a comfortable 3-0 victory with early goals from Troy Parrott, Idah, and Jack Moylan in a politically charged fixture staged at the near-empty Nagyerdei Stadium.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to capture sections of the small ‘Israeli’ contingent making the abusive noises toward Idah, the 25-year-old Swansea City striker born to a Nigerian father and Irish mother, particularly when he was near their section or involved in play.

ISRAELI FANS MAKE MONKEY CHANTS AT IRISH PLAYER ADAM IDLAH pic.twitter.com/varBEEpyWa

— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) September 27, 2026

Ireland midfielder Jayson Molumby heard the chants before half-time and alerted German referee Harm Osmers and fourth official Florian Exner, asking them to “listen” while pointing to his ears, according to Irish media.

UEFA later informed the Football Association of Ireland that it could not open a formal investigation.

A match delegate ruled that the correct protocols had not been followed because Molumby did not explicitly report a racial incident, and the officials themselves did not hear any racist chanting.

An FAI spokesperson said: “We’re going to review the video evidence from the game and try and determine if there is any evidence of racism. If we believe that to be the case, we will send [the evidence] to Uefa demanding an investigation into the incident.”

The FAI is now analysing high-quality stadium footage and audio from pitchside microphones, with a panel set up to examine the material.

Officials noted that Idah himself was unsure whether he heard the chants and remained unaffected by the incident.

Reports also indicated similar abuse may have been directed at another Black Irish player, James Abankwah, later in the game.

Beyond the alleged racism, ‘Israeli’ fans were filmed chanting military slogans, including repeated cries of “IDF, IDF,” in the closing stages after their side’s heavy defeat.

One supporter led the chants in an apparent attempt to deflect from the result on the pitch.

The atmosphere was already tense, with Irish players wearing black armbands, bowing their heads during ‘Israel’s’ national anthem, and refusing pre- and post-match handshakes.

The match itself took place amid widespread protests in Ireland over the fixture due to the ongoing assault on Gaza, with some Irish fans and politicians calling for a boycott.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted out on principle, while the rest of the squad ultimately voted to play.

The return fixture is scheduled for early October in Serbia as a neutral “home” game for Ireland.