Beitar Jerusalem’s 1-year ban from European soccer canceled as appeal partly accepted

The Israel Football Association’s tribunal partially accepts soccer team Beitar Jerusalem’s appeal over its punishment for fans’ storming of the pitch last month after winning the State Cup, which disrupted the awards ceremony.

Last week, the tribunal said the club would be barred from the UEFA Europa Conference League, a contest of national league high-flyers and cup winners from across Europe. Beitar Jerusalem was also ordered to pay a NIS 70,000 ($18,720) fine. The club could also be banned from the State Cup and three points could be deducted in league play if the fan chaos recurs, that decision said.

The tribunal cancels the Conference League ban, meaning Beitar will take part in the European tournament. However, it rules that the club won’t participate in the State Cup next season, and it will start the league season with a three-point deduction.

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 rushed the pitch in celebration. People set fires and broke up a ceremony as President Isaac Herzog attempted to award medals to the winning team, reportedly making off with some of the hardware. Herzog was hustled off the field under heavy security, and held a makeup ceremony for the team at his Jerusalem residence the next day.