Yuval Spungin faces a backlash in Israel after playing for Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus in their 4-0 away win over Larnaca on Yom Kippur.

Spungin, a former Maccabi Tel Aviv defender, claimed he was compelled to play by his club.

Elsewhere in Europe all Israeli players were excused duty. Dudu Awat, who caused a storm of controversy when he played for Deportivo La Coruna on Yom Kippur in 2006, had clearly learnt his lesson. The Real Mallorca goalkeeper stayed home for his team's 2-0 win over Osasuna. Avram Grant, the West Ham manager, and defender Tal Ben Haim were absent from the draw against Stoke City. Tamir Cohen informed Bolton that he was unavailable for their match at Aston Villa.