June 7 – Beitar Jerusalem, Israel’s most controversial team, have been banned from Europe by the country’s own FA as punishment for its fans storming the field following a domestic cup final win last month.
The ruling by an Israeli FA disciplinary tribunal means the club will be barred from the UEFA Europa Conference League next season. As a result, Maccabi Netanya, which lost the cup final that sent Beitar fans streaming on to the field on May 23, could participate instead.
Following Beitar’s 3-0 win against Netanya at Haifa’s Sammy Ofer stadium, supporters of the Jerusalem team known for its hardcore fan base set fire to the goal nets, stole medals intended for both teams and forced the evacuation of President Isaac Herzog from the stadium. Security guards and police were unable to control the chaos.
In response a club statement said the punishment was far too draconian.
“We were shocked to receive the punishment imposed on the club by Israel Football Association. The decision harms the club, hundreds of thousands of fans, Israeli sports, and the city of Jerusalem, which is preparing to host a European football match,” it said.
“Beitar Jerusalem fairly won the cup, and we expect the judges to reconsider their decision as soon as possible, so that we can prepare for our future goals that include the UEFA Conference League.”
But the court’s decision made it abundantly clear who was to blame.
“Beitar Jerusalem and its fans played a significant, central and essential part in turning the State Cup final into a big, shameful and disgraceful riot,” the judges wrote.
“We must add the fact that this is the club’s 29th appearance in court this season due to the actions of its fans. Regrettably, in our impression the accused has chosen a course of minimal confrontation with its fans, thereby allowing parts of those fans to become lawless. All these justify a harsh punishment for these actions.”
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