2 Muslim Chechens sign with Beitar Jerusalem despite protests from club's anti-Muslim fans
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Beitar Jerusalem F.C. soccer coach Eli Cohen, center, poses for the media with new Beitar players Gabriel Kadiev, left, and Zaur Sadayev, right, during a press conference in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. The arrival of Zaur Sadayev and Gabriel Kadiev to Beitar Jerusalem's squad comes amid rising tensions. The team's fans chanted anti-Muslim slogans at a recent game and unfurled a sign protesting the Chechens' arrival. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) (The Associated Press)
An Israeli soccer club with an unofficial tradition of not signing Arab or Muslim players is welcoming two Muslim-Chechen players amid rising tensions from its fans.
Beitar Jerusalem's fans, known for being anti-Muslim, chanted anti-Muslim slogans at a game last week and unfurled a sign protesting the arrival of Zaur Sadayev and Gabriel Kadiev. Three fans were arrested for the behavior.
At a news conference Wednesday, Sadayev said he was "happy" to join the team. Kadiev says he's "not afraid" of threats from fans.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jerusalem's mayor attended the news conference, highlighting the gravity of the fans' behavior.
Police beefed up security at a game Tuesday when Beitar played a team from an Arab town. Beitar's next game is Sunday.