The Europa League draw delivered a spicy matchup between Hapoel Beersheba and Turkey’s Beşiktaş. But since October 7, Israelis have been barred from entering Turkey for security reasons. That means Beersheba can’t travel to Istanbul as the draw dictated, and the match will be moved to a neutral country. According to Turkish reports, Beşiktaş has decided to host the match in Batumi, Georgia, at a stadium that can hold around 20,000 fans.
The club’s management reportedly consulted with antisemitic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who reviewed the alternative venue and only after receiving his approval did the move go forward. Beşiktaş isn’t happy about hosting outside their home stadium and has complained to UEFA: “Why should we play only 3 matches at home and 5 away? It’s not fair.”
About two years ago, Maccabi Tel Aviv also faced Beşiktaş in the Europa League under similar circumstances, with the Yellows winning a big match 3-1 against the Turks. During that match, Gabi Kanichowsky celebrated with a salute to the sky in memory of fallen soldiers. Turkey quickly attacked and demanded the immediate suspension of the Maccabi Tel Aviv star. One Turkish journalist claimed it was a military gesture.