Leuven mayor blocks Europa League match against Israeli club citing safety concerns
Leuven’s mayor blocked a Europa League match between Union Saint-Gilloise and Hapoel Be’er Sheva citing public-safety concerns amid the Gaza war, forcing Union to find an alternate venue. The move fits a broader pattern of Israeli clubs playing home matches in neutral venues for security reasons, including past incidents in Europe.
Sports · 5 sources · Sep 9, 2026Read itThe journal
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About Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, also known as Union Saint-Gilloise, Union SG, USG, RUSG or simply Union, is a Belgian professional football club from Brussels based in Forest. Founded in 1897 in the neighbouring Saint-Gilles, the club has played its home matches at the historic Joseph Marien Stadium since the 1920s. One of the most successful clubs in Belgian football history, Union won eleven national titles between 1904 and 1935, dominating the domestic game before World War II. From 1933 to 1935, they went 60 league matches unbeaten—a national record that still stands.
Everything about Royale Union Saint-Gilloise →- Country
- Belgium
- Headquarters
- Saint-Gilles
- Inception
- November 1, 1897
- Website
- https://rusg.brussels/