Ohr Davida's Bitter Feud With His Former Club Hapoel Tel Aviv Explained

The complex and acrimonious relationship between Israeli footballer Ohr Davida and his boyhood club, Hapoel Tel Aviv, has been laid bare, revealing years of mutual animosity stemming from his transfer to rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv. Davida, who rose through Hapoel's youth ranks and was expected to be a star for the senior team, instead became a target of taunts and abuse from the club's fans after his move.

Sources close to Davida, including his wife, claim the animosity began immediately after his transfer to Maccabi Tel Aviv, with both he and his wife receiving death threats and vile messages. This, they argue, led Davida to distance himself from his Hapoel past, deleting all references to the club from his social media.

Davida has not been passive in the feud, engaging in provocative behavior towards Hapoel fans on several occasions. A notable incident occurred after Hapoel Tel Aviv's relegation, when Davida was filmed taunting their supporters during Maccabi Tel Aviv's celebrations. He also previously sang a song insulting Hapoel at his own wedding.

The tension has also spilled onto the pitch, including a red card Davida received last year after kicking Doron Leidner, a former youth teammate. His relationships with current Hapoel players are also reportedly strained.

Despite claims that his actions are merely reactions to the abuse he has received, former Hapoel player Gili Vermut, who made a similar move to Maccabi, criticized Davida's behavior, stating he never resorted to taunting opposing fans. Davida, however, suggested his recent goal celebration directed at Hapoel fans was partly a response to the ongoing abuse, indicating this chapter in their relationship is far from over.