Dundee Football Club is facing backlash from its fans after announcing a match against Maccabi Haifa FC.

What happened?

The club's decision to play the Israeli team has sparked outrage among fans, with many calling for the game to be cancelled. A pro-Palestine group has urged fans to contact the club and demand the match be called off due to the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. As of now, Dundee FC is 9th in Premiership, with 33 points from 33 games, and a recent form of WLWWL.

Why it matters for Dundee Football Club

The city of Dundee has been twinned with Nablus, Palestine, since 1980, and many fans feel that playing Maccabi Haifa FC goes against the city's values. Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card, an international grassroots campaign, has condemned the club's decision, saying it normalises the Israeli government's actions. The campaign's spokesperson said that fans are appalled by the club's decision, especially given the recent killing of Palestinian footballer Saleem Al-Ashqar by Israeli forces.

What comes next?

Dundee FC has been approached for comment, but has yet to respond to the backlash. The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, and it remains to be seen whether the club will reverse its decision. With the club currently 37 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian, the focus should be on the league standings, but the controversy surrounding the match has taken centre stage. The club's goals this season, 34 scored and 53 conceded, have been overshadowed by the debate surrounding the match. As the situation continues to unfold, fans are eagerly awaiting a response from the club.