A group of 55 Arsenal supporters were served a kosher Passover meal in Madrid ahead of the club’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.
The event was organised by Jewish Gooners, a supporters’ group for Jewish Arsenal fans.
As the fixture fell during Passover, it was difficult to arrange a pre-match meal that complied with dietary restrictions of not eating bread.
With no kosher restaurants open locally, the group contacted Rabbi Zalman Goldstein of Chabad Madrid to help facilitate a suitable meal.
Rabbi Goldstein opened the Bet Chabad House to the visiting fans and the meal included traditional Passover dishes prepared under local kosher supervision.
Sami Steinbock, founder of Jewish Gooners, said: “Playing such a big away game during Pesach was always going to be a challenge, so it was important that the Jewish Gooners did everything we could to ensure our members could be well fed.
"As soon as we told people what we had planned, word spread and almost every Jewish Arsenal fan in Madrid came together for a very special Passover meal before a very special match!”
Rabbi Goldstein said: “When I heard there was a big game in Madrid with lots of travelling Jewish fans from London, I was delighted to help. And I’m even more delighted to now be an honorary Jewish Gooner!”
The event was also attended by Arsenal club officials, in a show of support for the travelling supporters and the community initiative.
The meal was held in advance of Arsenal’s match against Real Madrid, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the North London club.
Arsenal now head to the Champions League semi-finals in hope of securing a spot in the grand finale at the end of May in Munich.
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