Fans stay away from Israel-Cyprus soccer game in Jerusalem

10 October 2015, 9:42 pm

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Israel TV says only 5,000 fans have arrived so far at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem for tonight’s vital European 2016 soccer qualifier between Israel and Cyprus. The game starts in a few minutes and the no-shows are assumed to be a consequence of terror fears.

The stadium holds about 30,000, and tickets had almost sold out in recent days. Reporters at the game insist the crowd will yet swell to 15,000.

Hamas had called on its supporters in East Jerusalem to riot in areas surrounding the stadium. A large police contingent is securing the game.

If Israel wins, it could guarantee third place in its qualifying group, and would go into a play-off round for a place in next year’s tournament proper.