פורום השדים האדומים

To whom it may concern,

Earlier today (March 16th), a letter was sent to the various bodies addressed in this email. The subject of the letter was:

Legitimization of Racism, Right-Wing Extremism and Discrimination: The Ongoing Case of Beitar Jerusalem FC, Israel

It was signed by a hitherto unknown organization called "Israeli Football fans against racism".
We would like to draw your attention to the following facts:

1. The letter was conceived in www.shedim.com ("the red devils"), the main internet forum of Hapeol Tel Aviv. The latter is the most bitter rival of Beitar Jerusalem FC. The animosity between the two clubs has long crossed the borders of sport and can be counted among the most intensive cases of mutual hatred between fan groups in the world.
2. Contrary to the impression delivered by the innocuous signature, the letter was authored and sent by fans of Hapoel Tel Aviv.
 
While the factual content of the letter can and should be disputed, our concern is much deeper than the odd exaggeration or false accusation. The combat against racism should be of the highest concern to any sports fan and decent human being. As non partisan Israeli football fans, we feel disgraced to see it used so cynically in a petty squabble between fan groups. Please rest assured that this instrumental approach to a moral struggle, is not shared by the majority of sports lovers in our country.

Lest this email be misconstrued as an accusation against the Hapoel Tel Aviv football club, we would like to stress that our only concern is to clarify the facts. Deplorable as they may be, hypocrisy, self righteousness and cynicism do not constitute a violation of any UEFA or FIFA laws. Furthermore, the shameful conduct of a handful of Hapoel Tel Aviv fans should not tarnish the image of the club and the majority of its supporters.
 
For whatever it's worth, we apologize for any inconvenience caused to you by our peers,

Non Partisan Israeli Football Fans