Referees Union Explains Derby Controversies: Foul vs. No Foul

The Israeli Referees Association has released its decisions regarding controversial calls made during the Tel Aviv derby match, where Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 4-1. The association addressed two key incidents: the disallowed goal by Maccabi's Ester Sukler and a foul call on Hapoel's Fedeimbe against Maccabi's Dor Peretz.

Regarding Sukler's goal, which was disallowed in the 44th minute, the Referees Association explained that Sukler's foul involved stepping on a defending player who was actively participating in the defensive play. This action prevented the defender from marking an opposing attacker, who subsequently scored. The association deemed the disallowed goal justified due to the foul's direct impact on the defensive play.

In contrast, the association ruled that Fedeimbe's contact with Dor Peretz in first-half stoppage time did not warrant a penalty. They stated that Peretz, the fouled player, was an attacker not involved in the immediate play, could not have reached the ball, and had no influence on the game. Therefore, the contact was considered incidental and not a foul.

The explanations aim to clarify the refereeing decisions following significant debate after the derby match.