(IsraelNN.com) Turkish Muslims screamed death threats at a European Cup game between Turkey and Israel, forcing players to flee to the dressing room Tuesday. Referees suspended the game between Bnei HaSharon and Turk Telekom, who were playing in as part of the European championship series.

Shouts of "Israel, Killers" and "Allah is Great" were followed by a surge of more than 2,000 fans with fists raised in the air at the Ankara sports center. "They had blood in their eyes" and threw bottles and shoes at the Israel team, one player said. 

The Turkish players also fled to the dressing room, protected by police who use riot shields to protect players from both sides. Outside, Muslims set fire to an Israeli flag.

Turkey's secular government has come under increased pressure from Muslims, who want to make the nation officially religious. The government, despite its good relations with Israel, has been sharply critical of the Cast Lead counterterrorist campaign in Gaza and has been promoting a ceasefire proposal.