Suwan drives in equalizer against Ireland
Photo: Reuters
'We will harm Suwan and his family'
Maccabi Tel Aviv Soccer Club fans say they will take extreme measures to prevent Arab-Israeli star Abbas Suwan from joining squad
Several supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv Soccer Club have threatened to harm Arab-Israeli player Abbas Suwan if he joins the team.
"It all started when we realized the club wants to bring Suwan (to Maccabi)," a club supporter told Ynet. "We don't want Arabs on our team. We will take extreme action, and, if needed, we will harm Suwan and his family. The symbol of our club is the Star of David, and we don’t want Arabs. He should go play for the Palestinian team, not for us."
Arab player Salam Abu-Siam has been on Macabbi's roster for several years, but the supporters have a 'solution' for him as well.
"Salam is on his way out of Maccabi. He represents the Arab sector, and we don't like that," the fan said. "Perhaps because he grew up in the club we'll let him remain, but we certainly won't allow other (Arab) players to join," the fan said.
He added that some of those who oppose the acquisition of Arab players have served prison terms and are not fearful of returning to jail.
"Maccabi is our life. We will not let Suwan arrive," the supporter said. "People have already wanted to hurt him;I stopped them, but this won't continue for long. We don't talk, we act."
Suwan, a member of Israel's national team, recently scored a crucial equalizer in Israel's World Cup qualifying match against Ireland, keeping the national squad's hopes of advancing to the prestigious tournament alive.
