Israel ban social media after ex-Celtic star's pro-Arab post

Israel have launched a self-imposed ban on posting social media posts after ex-Celtic star Beram Kayal caused an internal storm in their camp.

The Israelis warmed up for their showdown in Scotland with a 7-0 romp against Guatemala at home last week.

After the game, Brighton midfielder Kayal posted a picture on Instagram, later deleted, of the seven Arab players in the Israel squad with the caption ‘The Bosses.’

Israel's midfielder Beram Kayal vies against Guatemala defender Wilson Pineda during their friendly encounter on Thursday. Picture: AFP/Getty

But that sparked a major row in the Israeli squad, who have suffered from serious political and religious divisions before between their Arab players and the rest of the group.

Kayal’s post prompted a hastily-arranged team meeting before the squad flew to Glasgow and Guangzhou midfielder Eran Zahavi revealed they have now agreed to have a social media black-out until after the game.

He said: “Beram Kayal and the rest of the Arab players in the squad made it very clear to us there was no bad intentions meant when he posted that.

“We had a conversation and we all agreed the most important thing is the team’s success.

“We don’t want to create a media circus about this and have agreed to not post anything until after the game in Scotland.”