Beersheba held to disappointing draw by Ramat Hasharon

Beitar Jerusalem owner Eli Tabib rallies behind coach Eli Cohen following calls by fans to sack him.

By ALLON SINAI
Dovev Gabai 370 (photo credit: Meir Even Haim)
Dovev Gabai 370
(photo credit: Meir Even Haim)
Hapoel Beersheba missed an opportunity to move tied on points with league-leader Maccabi Tel Aviv on Monday night, only managing a 0-0 draw against rock-bottom Hapoel Ramat Hasharon.
After a dismal first half, Beersheba had its fair share of chances to claim all three points, but couldn’t break down Ramat Hasharon’s defense and remained in second place, two points behind Maccabi.
Earlier Monday, Beitar Jerusalem owner Eli Tabib rallied behind coach Eli Cohen following the calls by fans to sack him during Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Ironi Kiryat Shmona at Teddy Stadium.
After a five-match unbeaten streak, Beitar has lost its past two games by a combined goal difference of 1-6 and the supporters have taken their frustration out on the unpopular Cohen.
However, Tabib called for patience on Monday, claiming that he isn’t even considering replacing the coach and promising that he will strengthen the squad in the January transfer window.
“It is very important to me that the Beitar fans will comprehend the situation the team finds itself in,” a Tabib statement read. “When I arrived here I said that I will be patient in the rebuilding process. I am aware that the team isn’t playing well at the moment, but the massive debts and my late arrival at the club didn’t allow me to bring in the players I would have liked.
Huge amounts have been invested and I plan to strengthen the team in the upcoming transfer window.”
Tabib said he is “personally offended” by the calls against the coach and asked the fans to support Cohen and the team.
“I am aware of the difficulties and that is why I am pleased with Eli Cohen’s work,” he added. “We are just at the beginning of the road and without unwavering support by the fans it will be tough for me to take Beitar to the places the club deserves to be in.”