Montreal Soccer Team Condemns, Launches Probe Into ‘Death to Israel’ Chants Against Israeli Player
by Shiryn Ghermezian
Aug 1, 2026; Montreal, Province of Quebec, CAN; New England Revolution forward Dor Turgeman (99) and CF Montreal defender Efrain Morales (24) vie for the ball during the second half at Saputo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
The Canadian professional soccer team CF Montréal said on Sunday it condemns the “Death to Israel” chanting by its fans targeting Israeli athlete and New England Revolution player Dor Turgeman during an Major League Soccer (MLS) match over the weekend.
“CF Montréal is aware of allegations regarding discriminatory comments directed at a player by fans during last night’s match against the New England Revolution,” the Canadian team said in a statement. “The Club does not tolerate discrimination, or hateful behavior of any kind. We take these allegations very seriously and are currently reviewing the matter.”
CF Montréal is in contact with MLS and New England Revolution “as we work to establish all the facts and take the necessary actions,” the team added.
Throughout Saturday night’s game at Stade Saputo in Montreal, fans of the home team reportedly chanted “Death to Israel” and “Free Palestine” towards Turgeman. In response, the 22-year-old striker from Ashdod, Israel, scored his fourth league goal of the season and then approached Montreal supporters in the stands who targeted him with the hateful chants and put his hand up to his ear. His actions sparked a confrontation on the field with Montréal goalkeeper Sebastian Breza, who ran toward Turgeman and shoved him. Players from both teams then got involved and began pushing each other before the referee intervened. Breza was given a yellow card for shoving Turgeman and the game ended with a 2-2 draw.
Several witnesses in stands said beer bottles were also thrown at Turgeman while he was celebrating his goal, according to i24News.
Turgeman, who joined Revolution in 2025, said after the match that he has no regrets about his actions during the game.
“From the first moment I heard ‘Death to Israel’ from the stands … It’s not something that happens to me in games in the United States, only in Canada,” he said, according to Ynet. “Israel is above everything for me. I’m proud to be Israeli and proud of the national team I represent, so I made a gesture to show I wasn’t listening to their curses and hatred toward my country. All my teammates supported me. I’d do exactly the same thing again. The only thing I’m sorry about is that we didn’t win. That was more important.”
Breza claimed he pushed Turgeman as a way to pump up Montreal fans in the stands. “I felt like I wanted the crowd to get more into the game. I wanted to push the crowd and get them to push the guys,” the goalkeeper said, according to The Canadian Press.
