09.01.2012

Israel premier league side docked points following racist chanting

Israel Premier League side Beitar Jerusalem have been docked two points for racist chanting towards their former striker Toto Tamuz.

The incident took place during Beitar's league clash with Hapoel Tel Aviv on December 28.

Nigerian-born Tamuz, who has made 10 appearances for the Israel national team, scored the opening goal of the game which finished 1-1.

But Tamuz, who joined Hapoel in 2010, faced abuse from sections of Beitar's fans, including making distinctive noises towards him.

A court activated a suspended two-point punishment the club had received last year for a similar offence.

The court ruled that Beitar's management had not made an honest effort to combat the fans' chants and was resigned to accepting them.

Beitar are no strangers to disciplinary problems, having faced more than 20 hearings and receiving various punishments including point’s deductions, fines and playing games behind closed doors in the last seven years.

Beiter, who are fighting off relegation after a poor season, are the only leading club in Jerusalem not to have signed an Arab player because of fan pressure.

They are also set to play their next home game against Ashdod on January 20 behind closed doors as punishment for a previous incident in which their fans invaded the pitch.

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