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German soccer club bans fan for anti-Semitic abuse against Israeli fans

“There is no tolerance whatsoever for discrimination at Union Berlin,” said club president Dirk Zingler.

Maccabi Haifa players celebrate a goal during the Israeli Premier League match between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on July 7, 2020. Photo by Flash90.
Maccabi Haifa players celebrate a goal during the Israeli Premier League match between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on July 7, 2020. Photo by Flash90.

The Union Berlin German soccer club banned one of its fans on Wednesday for anti-Semitic abuse targeting visiting fans of Israeli club Maccabi Haifa during a game in Berlin.

“There is no tolerance whatsoever for discrimination at Union Berlin,” said club president Dirk Zingler, reported AFP. “We have therefore taken all measures available to us to remove this person from our ranks.”

The team said the person has been handed an “unlimited” ban from the club and its matches.

Police and the European soccer association UEFA are investigating anti-Semitic abuse by Union Berlin fans during the team’s 3-0 game (and win) against Maccabi Haifa on Sept. 30.

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