Maccabi Tel Aviv Refuses to Pay Fine for Player's Goal Celebration

Maccabi Tel Aviv has informed the league management that it will not pay the 10,000 shekel fine imposed on the club following a goal celebration by player Osher Davida during a derby match against Hapoel Tel Aviv. In a letter to the league chairman, Maccabi stated they "completely reject both the manner in which the incident was described in your letter and the conclusions drawn from it." The club emphasized that Davida's celebration, a recurring gesture for him, was not intended to provoke Hapoel fans.

Maccabi argued that Davida committed no indecent act, curse, or offensive statement, and had already received a yellow card during the game. The club also contested the league's assertion that the celebration "led to significant disturbances in the stands," stating there is no basis to hold a player or club responsible for fan behavior following a goal. Maccabi criticized the league's priorities, pointing to audible chants about the Holocaust and other offensive language heard at matches, questioning why Davida's "pew pew" gesture was deemed damaging to the league's image.

The club described the league's letter as a "populist response, largely driven by media and public pressure following the game and by external pressures." Maccabi presented a list of previous goal celebrations by other players against opposing crowds, including gestures of silencing and "I can't hear you," as well as a throat-slitting gesture and an indecent act, demanding to know how these were handled. They also requested the legal and regulatory basis for the fine.

Maccabi Tel Aviv concluded by stating the fine is unacceptable and that the club "does not intend to pay the fine." They warned that if the fine is not canceled, Maccabi will "not hesitate to take all measures at its disposal to protect its rights," including legal action.