Liverpool in Israel

[cubabit]

Not sure if there are many Liverpool fans on here, but I'm sure most footie fans can appreciate this...

What do you make of our draw to play an Israeli side? Personally I find it amazing. One, why is Israel in the European champions league? I mean, Israel is not in Europe and I thought Europe by definition was determined by geographic location (before you ask, I do understand the political reasons - but it just doesn't seem 'right')

And two, how can UEFA even consider sending a team that would surely be a target for terrorism to a state then is effectively at war at the moment? it beggars beleif.

Your thoughts are appreciated...

[grizzla]

i think geaographically israel can be considered as it is on the Mediterranean sea, on the same point we have Russian teams that partake in the competition, some of the Russian clubs are further from Europe than Maccabi haifa, the game is supposedly gonna be played in another location, this was reported as soon as the draw was made, UEFA is not gonna put players in danger and i doubt the FA would allow them to go.

[cubabit]

on the same point we have Russian teams that partake in the competition, some of the Russian clubs are further from Europe than Maccabi haifa.

Yes, and I'm not entirely sure they should either! Though theoretically part of Russia is on the Euorpean continent, and Israel is not.

the game is supposedly gonna be played in another location, this was reported as soon as the draw was made

And yes, though I beleive this came from Maccabi Haifa's President who mentioned it could be played in Tel Aviv instead... no thanks!

[MrChris]

totally suprised tbh i dont think the match should be played anywhere in israel, its just to unsafe, they would as you said become an instant target

but i was confused when an israeli side was put in the CL i thought it was meant to be European clubs

[grizzla]

They have been in european competition for years now, Israel are also in the eurovision song contest.

[cubabit]

They have been in european competition for years now, Israel are also in the eurovision song contest.

I know. I find it odd, personally.

[JPreston]

i think geaographically israel can be considered [part of Europe] as it is on the Mediterranean sea....

In the same way Portugal is part of the continent of America, because both lie on the Atlantic...

[cubabit]

In the same way Portugal is part of the continent of America, because both lie on the Atlantic...

Lol .

Isn't Algeria on the Mediterranean too? And Egypt...

[360bhp]

Liverpool fan through and through here... How uefa didnt sort this, or even have it in mind after the trouble started is beyond me.

[cubabit]

Liverpool fan through and through here...

Nice to hear it! It;s good that Rafa seems to be taking a hard stance on it. To be honest I don't think it'll be played in Haifa - that would be madness. I reckon it'll be moved to Cyprus or something.

[krazy_olie]

Haifa is dangerous at the moment, could be played in Tel-Aviv without much of an issue. The Asian clubs wouldn't play with Israeli teams if they weren't in Europe so that is part of the reason.

[JPreston]

IMO all nations should refuse to play Israeli teams altogether (let alone playing matches in Israel), while they continue this bombing. Isn't that what usually happens?

[cubabit]

The Asian clubs wouldn't play with Israeli teams if they weren't in Europe so that is part of the reason.

Good point. I can't beleive I was naive enough to not think of that.

[krazy_olie]

JPreston, by that logic you shouldn't buy an Intel, LG, Microsoft or dozens of other companies products because they design and manufacture in Israel.

I never saw anyone boycotting the Iranian football team after the president said that the solution would be to destroy Israel and supply rockets to terrorists. Why should Israeli teams be boycotted because the Israeli government is trying to fight terrorism?

[JPreston]

Fair enough, where do I sign?

There's a slight difference between Ahmedinejad saying whatever he did about Israel, and Israel's actual pre-emptive real-life massive bombing, shelling and ground attack of a sovereign country. South Africa and Zimbabwe have faced sports boycotts for less, so why should Israel be any different?

And "fighting terrorists"? Don't make me laugh. So bomb the airport, the roads and bridges, the power stations, the TV transmitters, and the UN observation posts. Did the UK bomb the Republic of Ireland in retaliation for IRA bombings?

[360bhp]

the Israeli government is trying to fight terrorism?

Most ridiculous comment I have ever read on this forum. Nice one