Referees Committee Upholds Controversial Derby Calls Favoring Maccabi Tel Aviv

The Israeli Referees Association's judging committee has released its official findings regarding controversial calls made during the recent Tel Aviv derby, where Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 4-1. The committee determined that the decision to disallow a goal for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 44th minute was correct. The goal was initially flagged for a foul by Maccabi player Ester Sukler, who allegedly stepped on a defender. The committee ruled that Sukler's action directly impacted the defender's ability to participate in the defensive play, thus justifying the disallowed goal.

Furthermore, the committee addressed a penalty appeal from Maccabi Tel Aviv in first-half stoppage time. Maccabi player Maymbo stepped on Dor Peretz, but the referee did not award a penalty. The judging committee agreed with the on-field decision, classifying the contact as incidental. They stated that Peretz was not involved in the play, could not have reached the ball, and had no influence on the game, therefore the contact did not warrant a penalty call.