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Beitar’s new owner banishes racism

A decade ago, the notorious “Death to Arabs” chant by Beitar Jerusalem’s fans would ring out around Teddy Stadium. Raised awareness by New Israel Fund’s KIO Israel campaign against racism and new legislation outlawing racist chants, reduced the problem, but Beitar’s hardcore La Familia fans remained defiant.

January 6, 2020 10:59
MOSHE HOGEG

BySimon Griver, Simon Griver

1 min read

All that changed 18 months ago, when Beitar was bought by high-tech billionaire Moshe Hogeg. From day one, Hogeg took on La Familia.

He recently told the BBC: “I have zero tolerance for racism. Absolutely zero. And my reaction towards racism is not proportional. You shout one racist comment and I will sue you for a million dollars.”

Hogeg argues European clubs should follow suit and also threaten to sue racist fans, not only for racism, but for damaging their brand. 

This was not the only way Hogeg confronted racism. Beitar have never signed an Arab player and previous owners had been forced to sell Muslim players, such as the Chechen duo of Zaur Sadayev and Djebrail Kadiyev in 2013, after La Familia encouraged the crowd to persistently boo them.