UEFA investigates anti-Semitism in Maccabi Haifa match in Germany
In the UEFA Conference League game, in which Haifa lost 3-0, Union Berlin supporters made anti-Semitic gestures and insults at the supporters and even attempted to set the Israeli flag on fire.
In addition, the Berlin police are also investigating a Union Berlin supporter who shouted “sieg heil” several times during the match, according to Firstpost.
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In a statement released on the club’s official website on Friday, Union Berlin President Dirk Zigler apologized to Israeli fans.
“This behavior is shameful and we will not tolerate it,” Zingler said. “Anti-Semitism is unfortunately still present in our society, which is why it is also manifesting itself in the stadium. However, we will never tolerate discrimination in our ranks,” Zingler added.
TJARRON CHERY (center) and Maccabi Haifa will look to continue their impressive start to the Conference League race with a first leg from the Neftchi Baku play-offs tonight in Azerbaijan. (credit: REUTERS)
The German-Israeli Society Youth Forum also condemned the anti-Semitic attack, saying it expects “consistent measures” to be taken against anti-Semitism in the stadiums.
“The majority of Union supporters extended a friendly welcome to the Maccabi and celebrated the football match with them,” the statement said.
“However, we also expect that consistent action will be taken against anti-Semitism in the stadium so that this can continue,” the forum added. Members of the German-Israeli Society Youth Forum also reported that beers were thrown at them.
