UEFA investigating antisemitic abuse at Maccabi match in Nazi-built stadium
European soccer body appoints ethics inspector to probe claims; Union Berlin supporter tried to burn small Israeli flag, another repeatedly shouted ‘Sieg Heil’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
BERLIN, Germany — European soccer’s governing body UEFA said on Tuesday that they are investigating allegations Union Berlin fans hurled antisemitic abuse at visiting supporters of Israeli champion Maccabi Haifa during a Europa Conference League match last week.
Union won last Thursday’s game 3-0 at Berlin’s Nazi-era built Olympic Stadium, but the German club later apologized, with their president Dirk Zingler branding their supporters’ behavior as “shameful and intolerable.”
UEFA said that an “Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding potential discriminatory incidents.”
Berlin police are also investigating the antisemitic abuse, which included a Union supporter trying to set fire to a paper Israel flag.
In Berlin where Union played Maccabi Haifa in the #UECL eye witnesses were shocked by the levels of antisemitism.
This man made nazi salutes towards the Maccabi fans and abused those who called him out. pic.twitter.com/ZmPXS5RbCg
— Fare (@farenet) October 1, 2021
Police are also investigating for incitement, with one suspect, who repeatedly shouted “Sieg Heil,” being probed.
The Olympic Stadium was built for the 1936 Olympics hosted by Nazi Germany, where Adolf Hitler launched one of the most controversial sports events in history 85 years ago.
The match was switched from Union’s Alten Foersterei ground to the larger Olympic Stadium, home of rivals Hertha Berlin, to meet UEFA requirements.
Ahead of Thursday’s Game, Maccabi paid a visit to the Holocaust memorial in central Berlin where they laid a wreath.
“This isn’t just another game for us. Atrocities happened here,” Maccabi Haifa coach Barak Bakhar had said in a press conference on Wednesday.
The team’s president Ya’akov Shahar said before the game that it was Maccabi’s second time playing against a club from Germany’s top league, and that the previous time was combined with a visit to the Dachau concentration camp.
The Times of Israel Community.