Hallgrímsson calls on Uefa to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future after bad-tempered draw

The Republic of Ireland’s manager Heimir Hallgrímsson called on Uefa keep his side away from Israel in future draws after a pair of fixtures he admitted “has been tough on us all”. Ireland were pegged back to a draw in another tetchy encounter, this time played without fans at TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia.

Hallgrímsson did not want to comment on a half-time confrontation, after which it is understood a member of his backroom staff alleged he was spat at by an Israel player – something the Icelandic manager said was better left to a disciplinary committee.