- The Media Line - https://themedialine.org -

Jerusalem Soccer Team’s Intent to Sign Muslims Triggers Fan Protests

Fans of Jerusalem’s famed Beitar soccer team are protesting plans by its Russian-Israeli owner to sign two Muslim players from a Chechnyan Russian Premier League team. At Sunday’s game in Jerusalem, police made three arrests after fans rioted in protest of the announced plans to bring in a midfielder and striker from Russia. Club officials report a barrage of phone calls from angry supporters in addition to the on-field demonstrations and signs held by fans in the stands that were the subject of a complaint filed with the league charging racism. The Israel Football Federation is expected to hold a disciplinary hearing on the issue of the signs.