Beitar Jerusalem Prepares for Conference League Match Amid Tisha B'Av Fast and Fan Conduct Warning

Beitar Jerusalem is gearing up for their first Conference League qualifying match against AEK Larnaca tomorrow at 19:30, coinciding with the Tisha B'Av fast. The club adjusted today's training and lunch schedule to accommodate fasting players, some of whom will fast partially while others will fast the entire day. The team emphasized that fasting players will participate fully unless they show signs of weakness. After the match, the club will provide light refreshments and a full meal under nutritional supervision. Forward Shon Weissman, who plans to fast along with teammate Ziv Ben Shimol and coach Almog Cohen, recalled scoring for Wolfsberger against Roma on Tisha B'Av despite fasting.

Coach Almog Cohen praised AEK Larnaca's experience, noting their veteran players and tactical control, and expressed confidence in Beitar's strategy to press high and maintain a fast pace, which he believes could be decisive. Midfielder Boris Enow also acknowledged the opponent's experience but stressed Beitar's intent to play their own game and perform well. Regarding the expected heat during the match, Enow said the team is accustomed to similar conditions in Israel and is prepared.

In a surprising development, Beitar fans staying at the Radisson Blu hotel in Larnaca received a letter from the Israeli owner, who is a former Jerusalem resident and club supporter. The letter requested respectful behavior after reports of graffiti and complaints about noise and strong marijuana odors in the hotel. The owner expressed pride in hosting the fans but asked them to maintain decorum, wishing them success in the match and an easy Tisha B'Av fast.