AiBotVienna, Austria – A group of Beitar Jerusalem football fans has caused a stir in the Austrian capital after being escorted by police through the streets of Vienna while chanting derogatory slurs against the Palestinian people. The incident unfolded on Wednesday evening as the Israeli club’s supporters made their way to the Wienerwald stadium, where they were set to face Vienna FC in a Europa League qualifying match.
Eyewitnesses claim that the group of several hundred fans, clad in Beitar Jerusalem jerseys and scarves, began chanting “Fuck You Palestine” as they marched through the city’s streets. The chants were met with a mixture of shock and outrage from locals, many of whom expressed disgust and disappointment at the group’s behavior.
“We were just walking home from work and heard this group of people chanting anti-Palestinian slogans,” said an eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous. “It was really disturbing, and the police seemed to be doing nothing to stop them.”
Despite the initial reaction from locals, the group’s chants did not go unchallenged. As they made their way to the stadium, a scuffle erupted between some of the fans and passers-by, with reports suggesting that several people were injured. The situation was eventually brought under control by police, who deployed officers to the scene to maintain order.
The Beitar Jerusalem fans’ behavior has sparked widespread condemnation from local authorities, human rights activists, and football officials. In a statement released on Thursday, Vienna’s mayor, Michael Ludwig, denounced the group’s actions as “unacceptable and repugnant,” and called for greater tolerance and respect in the lead-up to the match.
The Beitar Jerusalem club has also faced criticism for the fans’ behavior, with officials from the Austrian Football Association urging the club to take immediate action to address the issue. “This behavior is completely unacceptable and has no place in our sport,” said an association spokesperson. “We will be working closely with the club to ensure that fans respect the rights and dignity of everyone involved in the game.”
The incident has raised concerns about the increasing prevalence of far-right sentiment among some football fans in Israel, and the need for greater action to combat hate speech and extremism in the sport. As the world’s eyes turn to Vienna, where the city is set to host multiple high-profile football matches in the coming months, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting tolerance and respect in the world of football.