Ironi Tiberias Fined for Low Fan Attendance, Club Blames Supporters

Ironi Tiberias has been fined NIS 30,000 by the league management, with the sum deducted from the club's incentive funds. The penalty was imposed due to insufficient fan attendance in the stands facing the television cameras during a recent home game against Hapoel Jerusalem. In an unusual move, the club publicly criticized its own fans for the low turnout.

In an official statement on social media, the club expressed anger over the league's decision, stating, "We have received an official and infuriating letter from the league management." The statement detailed that only 464 spectators were counted in the main stands during the match against Hapoel Jerusalem, resulting in the immediate deduction of NIS 30,000 from the club's allocated funds.

The club lamented that this money, which could have been used to strengthen the team, support youth programs, or improve club conditions during a challenging period, was effectively lost. They emphasized that there was no Shabbat-related excuse for the low attendance, as the game was played mid-week at a convenient hour, yet the stands appeared empty.

Ironi Tiberias questioned the necessity of having a team in the top league if the fans do not support it, especially when the team is fighting for survival. The club concluded by posing a rhetorical question, suggesting that a strong team cannot compete against all odds if it only draws 464 spectators to its home games.