Israel considers moving football national team matches from Jerusalem due to racist conducts
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E-mail Xinhua, June 21, 2023
JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Following racist fan behavior against Arab-Israeli player Mohammad Abu Fani on Monday night, the Israel Football Association (IFA) is contemplating discontinuing future national team matches at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem.
During the Euro 2024 qualifier, where Israel triumphed over Andorra 2-1, Israeli fans booed Abu Fani and labeled him a "terrorist". Teddy Stadium serves as the home ground for the Beitar Jerusalem club, known for instances of racist conduct by some fans, including members of the ultras group La Familia. Beitar has never enlisted an Arab-Israeli player due to objections from fans.
"We will examine all possibilities regarding future matches. The incident is shameful; we will not tolerate racist calls towards any player in any stadium. I witnessed Abu Fani's tears and felt profoundly embarrassed," said IFA chairman Shino Zuares.
On Tuesday, Israeli President Issac Herzog phoned Abu Fani to lend support in the aftermath of the incident. "You are an Israeli citizen who brings a lot of respect to the state, and I strongly condemn the jeers against you," Herzog relayed to the player, as per a statement released by the President's office.
"Abu Fani devotes his time and energy to the Israeli national team, and the fan behavior is unnecessary and idiotic," added Israeli Sports Minister Miki Zohar.
Alon Hazan, Israel's head coach, remarked, "This was a deplorable incident. Every fan should show love to all players representing the national team."
"As a black player who experiences racism intermittently, I know it is unbearable," stated Israeli team captain Eli Dasa. In response to the incident, Fulham winger Manor Solomon labeled it "disgraceful".
Abu Fani responded, "I can't educate the entire country, and I won't allow anyone to break or demean me. The condemnation by the staff, players, and a large segment of the crowd who applauded me is deeply moving and significant."
Abu Fani, the 25-year-old midfielder, has represented the Champions League side Maccabi Haifa for the past three seasons and recently signed a four-year contract with Hungarian club Ferencvaros.
TSG Hoffenheim striker Munas Dabbur, another Arab-Israeli player, retired from the Israeli national team in July of the previous year after he was also booed by Israeli fans during matches. Enditem
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