Israeli Football Authorities Urge State Attorney to Act Against Stadium Violence
The Israel Football Association and the League Administration have formally appealed to State Attorney Amit Eisman for immediate action to eradicate violence in Israeli football stadiums. The letter, signed by Association Chairman Shino Zuaretz and League Administration Chairman Erez Calfon, highlights violent incidents occurring as early as the first round of the season, including matches between Maccabi Netanya and Bnei Sakhnin, and Hapoel Jerusalem versus Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Zuaretz and Calfon criticized the state's handling of the issue, noting that despite arrests and police investigations, suspects are often released, legal proceedings drag on, and indictments are not filed promptly. They warned that this sends a dangerous message to offenders that violence around football games can be committed without significant consequences.
The letter emphasizes that while the Association and League invest substantial resources combating violence and racism, they lack investigative, arrest, prosecution, or penal authority. They called on the state to fulfill its role, stressing that the vast majority of football fans are law-abiding citizens, including families and youth, who should not live in fear due to a violent minority. The letter expressed a sense of abandonment felt by millions of football supporters across Israel.
This appeal follows numerous prior letters, meetings, and warnings over the years. Zuaretz and Calfon requested a clear explanation for the state's failure to prosecute and deter offenders effectively and questioned how football matches can be held securely when most attendees abide by the law. They urged law enforcement and prosecution authorities to act swiftly and decisively against illegal activities at football games and requested an urgent meeting with relevant officials to discuss measures to eliminate violence.
The letter was also sent to Police Commissioner Major General Danni Levi and the Director of Courts, Judge Tzachi Uziel.
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