Hapoel Be'er Sheva Faces Low Fan Turnout in European Matches Due to Multiple Factors

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is experiencing notably low fan attendance at its European away games, with fewer than 200 supporters present at the recent match against Vikingur in Szombathely, Hungary. This figure is considered insufficient by club standards, though comparisons to larger Israeli clubs like Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv are misleading due to differences in fan base size and geographic reach. Unlike these nationwide clubs, Hapoel Be'er Sheva draws primarily from the southern region, where rival teams may have comparable or greater support.

The club's recent performance has also contributed to the decline in fan enthusiasm. After losing the State Cup final last season and starting the current season with defeats in the Super Cup and in Iceland, the team's form has dampened supporter morale. Despite securing at least a spot in the UEFA Conference League this season, Hapoel Be'er Sheva has not reached the group stages of European competition in three years, unlike Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv, whose fans are more desperate for European football.

Economic and logistical challenges further limit fan attendance. August flights to Hungary are costly, and the travel itinerary requires multiple connections and long drives from major hubs like Vienna or Budapest, making the journey arduous. The club notes that playing in more accessible or attractive cities, such as Batumi in Georgia where Maccabi Tel Aviv plays, would likely draw larger crowds.

Despite these obstacles, Hapoel Be'er Sheva is preparing to face Red Star Belgrade in the upcoming match, aiming to secure a favorable result ahead of the return leg in Serbia next week. The club and its supporters continue to navigate the balance between ambition and practical constraints in European competition.