Maccabi Tel Aviv have called on their fans to refrain from racial or provocative actions when the Israelis host Basel in the Champions League return leg. Maccabi, who need to overturn a 1-0 first-leg trailing, take on the Swiss side in a qualifying game that would feature Egypt duo Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny. ''Ahead of tomorrow's return-leg against FC Basel, Maccabi Tel Aviv FC is pleading with its fans who will fill up Bloomfield stadium to support the team before and during the match whilst refrain from diverting energy towards issues concerning the opponents," a club statement read. "This time round we are facing an international match organized by UEFA whose zero tolerance approach could see clubs handed severe punishments for misconduct of fans. "The club is asking its fans to raise themselves above any kind of provocation and support the team so that we could beat Basel on the pitch in a sporting manner." After Basel were drawn against the Israeli champions, speculation were rife as to whether the Egypt pair would be reluctant to play in Israel, given the political tension related to the Middle East Crisis. Salah has been particularly at the center of media speculation, but the Egypt star insisted that he is only focused on helping his club advance to the group stage.
