Iranian Owner of Polish Club Posts Antisemitic Rant Against Hapoel Tel Aviv Ahead of Match

Alex Haditaghi, the Iranian owner of Polish football club Pogon Szczecin, published a highly inflammatory and antisemitic post on social media ahead of his team’s match against Hapoel Tel Aviv. In his statement, Haditaghi accused Israel of committing genocide and condemned Zionism, calling the Israeli state illegitimate and criticizing UEFA for allowing Israeli clubs to participate in European competitions. He expressed explicit support for the Iranian regime and urged the Polish team to channel the anger and pain of Palestinians into their performance on the field.

Haditaghi’s post included harsh language equating Israel’s actions to ethnic cleansing and occupation, and accused Western governments such as the US, Germany, England, and France of providing Israel with political protection. He emphasized that Israel is geographically in Asia and should not enjoy privileges within European football. The owner also referenced previous reports that he refused to sell players to Maccabi Tel Aviv, another Israeli club.

The post has been widely condemned for crossing red lines by mixing politics with sport, promoting hatred, and inciting violence. It remains to be seen whether UEFA or other European football disciplinary bodies will take action against Haditaghi for his remarks. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Israeli clubs’ participation in European sports amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Summary: Alex Haditaghi, Iranian owner of Polish club Pogon Szczecin, posted an antisemitic message condemning Israel as a genocidal state ahead of a match against Hapoel Tel Aviv, sparking calls for disciplinary action by European football authorities.