Former Beitar Jerusalem player Shimon Chernocha dies at age 78

Shimon Chernocha, a former Beitar Jerusalem player and the first from the club to play for the Israel National Team, died on Wednesday at 78. Chernocha played for Beitar Jerusalem from 1966-1969 and 1971-1973, later coaching its youth team. The club remembered him as "one of the pillars of Beitar Jerusalem's defense" and "an uncompromising fighter, a tough defender and a leader on the pitch." Club owner Barak Abramov called him "a symbol for every Beitar fan." Former player Aviram Brokhian, who trained under Chernocha, stated, "Every player on the team loved him."