Beitar Jerusalem fans break into the pitch following final match
Ticket sales for the upcoming match between the Israeli national team and Andorra as part of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying stage scheduled for Monday in Jerusalem have been unexpectedly suspended.
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The ticket sales website was no longer offering tickets after the Football Association said it was demanding first, to meet with the Minister of National Security, Minister of Sports, and the police commissioner to ensure the safety of players and fans fearing retaliation from supporters of the Jerusalem Beitar team after its suspension from European games in punishment for fans invading the pitch and disrupting the game during cup finals last month.
"Until Thursday's meeting with the National Security Minister, the Culture and Sports Minister, Israel Police officials, and representatives of the football association, we have decided to suspend ticket sales for the national team match against Andorra on June 19," the Football Association said. "Nearly 12,000 fans have already secured their seats, and ticket sales will resume only after were would be convinced that all conditions are met to ensure the proper conduct of the game," they said.
"We have already emphasized twice in letters to the relevant authorities that the threats of disruption to the game, by criminal elements require a response from law enforcement. Needless to say that the association will pursue legal action against anyone who deviates from the principles of conduct and causes damage to the Israeli national team's reputation, the sport, and above all, the State of Israel." the association said adding the UEFA which supports the Israeli decision has been informed. "Surrendering to criminality is a loss from which there is no return," the Israeli Football Association said.
National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir confirmed there would be an emergency meeting with representatives of the police, the association, the state prosecution, and the Jerusalem club - in order to address this matter.
Meanwhile, in some social media groups of Beitar Jerusalem fans, calls to protest against the decision have been circulating since Wednesday, with threats to attend the Euro qualifiers' match against Andorra with the explicit intention of storming the pitch and disrupting the game.
"Against Andorra, let's come with Israeli national team scarves, so we won't raise suspicion," wrote one of the fans. Another fan wrote, "Let's disrupt the national team game, put an end to the association," and a third added, "We can also block roads leading to the stadium."
Another fan claimed, "There will be chaos. And the chaos was caused by the association. It's time to take matters into our own hands and put an end to this." And yet another, criticized the association, saying, "They drive the fans to madness."