Referee Chief Defends Derby Decisions, Addresses Coach Complaints

Ziv Adler, chairman of the Israeli Referees Association's professional committee, defended several controversial calls made during a recent Tel Aviv derby match, explaining the rationale behind yellow cards issued to Stav Turiel and Ohad Davida. Adler stated that while the game was intense, the referee managed it well, and the yellow cards were issued according to UEFA guidelines for players involved in confrontations. He also addressed the controversial disallowance of Maccabi Tel Aviv's third goal, deeming the referee's intervention correct due to a player's accidental but impactful step on an opponent.

Adler also responded to criticism from Bnei Yehuda coach Ran Kochav, who accused referees of disrespectful conduct. Adler acknowledged that while coaches and referees can sometimes have tense interactions, he believes the referee in question acted respectfully. He suggested that Kochav might behave differently in the local league compared to European matches, noting that the referee in question is scheduled to officiate a Europa League game. Adler offered to review specific incidents with Kochav.

Furthermore, Adler provided an update on referee Sapir Berman, who failed a fitness test. He expects her to undergo re-evaluation soon and potentially return to officiating within a couple of weeks after the international break, provided she passes. He also highlighted the positive impact of new rules on increasing actual playing time in matches, noting a ten percent increase in net playing time, bringing the league in line with other top leagues.

Regarding transparency, Adler explained that the association does not publish every decision due to the sheer volume, but they do release explanations for significant events and are open to discussing specific issues with clubs. He also expressed satisfaction with the increased number of Israeli referee assignments in European competitions, noting four officiating teams are currently involved in national team matches.