Beitar Jerusalem Wins Conference League Qualifier Amid Fan Clashes in Larnaca

Beitar Jerusalem began their European season with a 1-0 away victory over AEK Larnaca on July 23, 2026, in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The match took place in Larnaca, Cyprus, but was overshadowed by violent clashes between Beitar fans and local supporters before the game. Several dozen Beitar fans were reportedly ambushed during a pre-match march, suffering beatings and stone-throwing attacks. The Cypriot police intervened in multiple violent incidents, resulting in the arrest of one Israeli and six Cypriots. Two individuals were injured but did not require emergency medical treatment; paramedics treated bleeding wounds on site.

Graphic footage from the clashes showed a Beitar fan being dragged on the ground and severely beaten. Additionally, local media reported that some Beitar supporters caused disturbances the night before the match, including breaking car mirrors, which ended only after a police chase. Beitar Jerusalem officially denied these allegations. On the pitch, Bruno Carvalho scored the lone goal, giving Beitar a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg in Hungary next week.