NIF In the News 

Racist Betar Fans Face A Lock-Out

The Jewish Chronicle, January 4, 2008

Simon Griver

Betar Jerusalem may have to play their next home game against Bnei Sakhnin on January 12 in an empty stadium after an Israel FA disciplinary committee found its fans guilty of racist behaviour for chanting "the Prophet Mohammed is dead" at a recent match.

In November, the Betar fans were similarly punished after booing during a minute's silence on the anniversary of the murder of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and chanting the name of his assassin, Yigal Amir. But that punishment was overturned on appeal and Betar will contest the new disciplinary action.

"There is no justification for this punishment," claimed star midfielder Michael Zandberg. "The Israel FA simply has it in for Betar."

This latest incident occurred at Ramat Gan Stadium in December before a double header for the Toto Cup semi-final. After Bnei Sakhnin beat Maccabi Petach Tikvah to reach the final, supporters of the Arab-owned club began chanting "Allah hu Akhbar (God is Great)". The Betar fans, awaiting their game against Maccabi Haifa, responded with the "Mohammed" chant.

Itzik Shanan, head of the New Israel Fund's Kick Racism out of Israeli Football campaign, condemned the behaviour of the Betar fans.

"But we can take comfort from the fact that following recent legislation outlawing racism at matches, the notorious chant of 'Death to Arabs' is now almost never heard at Betar's Teddy Stadium."