The goal, the sprint to the opposition zone, and… the joy that sparked a media frenzy across Israel. Patryk Klimala, the story’s main character, is a Pole who has been a member of Hapoel Beer-Sheva since January, the squad that defeated Inter in the Europa League in 2016. Creator of the momentary doubling at Hapoel Jerusalem (final score 1-2), the attacker imitated what many believe to be the Nazi salute by waving his arm out to his fans in celebration of his goal, the second in Israel’s top division.
The same thing that was done in 2013 by the Greek Giorgos Katidis, who was playing at the time for Aek Athens. The Greek national teams specifically banned him for life for that act.
Klimala said he was misunderstood on social media with the following statement:
“My gesture during the goal celebration was completely misunderstood by some spectators. As a Pole, who respects the history of both countries, I would never even think about performing the Nazi salute.
While living in Poland, I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp and I fully realise the importance of history and Jewish heritage.
After my goal, I just wanted to greet our fans. There was surely nothing else beyond it. I’m sorry if anyone took it the wrong way.”
Patryk Klimala
Patryk Klimala
This season he played in total 11 times for 580 minutes for Ligat ha’Al.
Patryk Klimala scored 3 goals for Hapoel Be’er Sheva. He procured one assist. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 4th in Ligat ha’Al. In the last match Hapoel Be’er Sheva won 2-1 against Hapoel Katamon. The next match in Ligat ha’Al will be against Maccabi Haifa.
The last time the teams played each other, the score was 2-1 for Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva performance and stats
Hapoel Be’er Sheva is currently 2nd in the Ligat ha’Al with 68 points.
In the last 32 games, it has won 21 times, drawn 5 times, and lost 6 times. In its last match, Hapoel Be’er Sheva won 1-2 against Hapoel Katamon.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 60 goals and conceding 25.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva will play the next match in Ligat ha’Al against Maccabi Haifa on Monday 1st of May in Beer Sheva.