Mohammed Mar'i Saudi Gazette RAMALLAH – Unknown vandals set the offices of the Beitar Jerusalem soccer club on fire early Friday in an apparent attack over the signing of two new Muslim players. Shmuel Ben Ruby, spokesman of Jerusalem police, said that the blaze was likely started by a Molotov cocktail thrown into the office of club steward Meir Harush. The room contained team paraphernalia including trophies, championship plates, special team shirts and other memorabilia. No injuries were reported. Ben Ruby said that police opened an investigation into the incident. Assaf Abers, a spokesman for the Jerusalem fire department, said that the fire was limited to Harush's office, but that the surrounding offices and facilities suffered extensive damage caused by smoke and soot. Beitar Jerusalem responded to the arson, saying that the incident crossed “a red line when it comes to the violence and racism that we're dealing with.” “Those who committed this despicable act,” read Beitar's statement, “caused indescribable damage to items representing Beitar's history, like trophies, plates and memorabilia.” The soccer club stated that it would cooperate with the police to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Beitar officials said that security cameras surrounding the facility will likely help catch the perpetrators. It added that despite the incident, it would continue in its fight against violence and racism. The signing of Zaur Sadayev and Gabriel Kadiev from Chechnya came under fierce criticism by some of the team's fan base, who oppose having Muslims or Arabs play for the club. The development comes a day after two indictments filed by the Jerusalem District Attorney in the magistrate's court against four Beitar Jerusalem fans for making racist statements against Arabs and Muslims, including the new players that had joined the team. Limor Livnat, Israeli Culture and Sport Minister of ruling Likud party, slammed the arson attack calling it “dangerous and violent.” Omer Bar-Lev, Knesset Member of the Labor party, strongly condemned the arson attack, and blamed MKs and public leaders for increasing violence and racism in society.
