ON THURSDAY evening, supporters of Israeli football club Beitar Jerusalem unleashed a display of pyrotechnics and far-right provocation during a Uefa Conference League qualifier against Riga FC outside of Skonto Stadium, Al Jazeera reported today.

Within the opening minute, a Beitar fan in a black balaclava began hurling fireworks inside the stadium, sparking a small fire and scorching parts of the away stand. The scenes left local fans stunned, as Uefa regulations were openly flouted.

Draped across the stands was a banner of “La Familia,” Beitar’s notoriously racist ultra group, known for its violent behaviour and anti-Arab chants. In 2016, 56 of its members were arrested in Israel following an undercover investigation into weapons smuggling and assaults.

Beitar, who have never signed an Arab player in their 89-year history, count among their supporters Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Due to the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, the club is currently playing its home fixtures in Romania.

Before kick-off, a Beitar fan waved an Israeli flag in the home section, drawing cheers from the away end before being moved by stewards. Just weeks ago, Beitar supporters were filmed chanting “Death to Arabs” while marching through Bucharest.

After Thursday’s match, the away fans were held behind stadium gates for around 30 minutes. A lone Riga supporter shouted “Free Palestine” — met the chilling response: “F**k Palestine.”