Belgian Media Criticize Hapoel Be'er Sheva's Aggressive Play in Europa League Match

Belgian media outlets have strongly criticized the aggressive tactics employed by Israeli football club Hapoel Be'er Sheva during their Europa League match against Union Saint-Gilloise in Dusseldorf. The criticism intensified after a play in the 25th minute where Hapoel Be'er Sheva player Niv Yehoshua appeared to elbow Union's Darius Olaru. Union players reportedly demanded a second yellow card for Yehoshua, but the referee did not issue one. Olaru was subsequently substituted due to the injury sustained from the challenge.

Belgian reports described the play as "brutal" and questioned how it did not result in a second yellow card, which would have led to Yehoshua's expulsion. The tension was reportedly palpable from the early stages of the game, with Hapoel Be'er Sheva committing nine fouls compared to Union's two. The intensity of the play led to Union being forced into two early substitutions, the second of which was for Olaru following Yehoshua's challenge.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva was trailing 1-0 at halftime after a penalty was awarded to the Belgian team in first-half stoppage time (45+1). The match was part of Hapoel Be'er Sheva's effort to secure their first win in the Europa League.