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

Maccabi Tel Aviv has declared it will not pay a 10,000 shekel fine imposed by the league for player Ohshir Davida's goal celebration during a match against Hapoel Tel Aviv. In a sharp letter to league chairman Erez Kalfon, Maccabi CEO Jack Anglidis stated the club rejects the determination that Davida's "Pew Pew" celebration, directed at opposing fans, harmed the league's image. The club argues the celebration was not obscene, abusive, or violent, and that Davida had already received a yellow card for it during the game.

Maccabi Tel Aviv criticized the decision as arbitrary and unjustified, citing a pattern of selective enforcement. The club provided examples of similar goal celebrations by other players, including Eitan Azulay, Omri Altman, Rotem Hatuel, and Dia Saba, which did not result in fines or disciplinary action for their clubs. Maccabi believes the fine was imposed due to media and public pressure, violating the principle of equality.

The club is demanding the immediate cancellation of the fine. Maccabi Tel Aviv warned that if the decision is not reversed, they will pursue all available legal avenues, including appeals to relevant authorities, to protect the rights of the club and the player. Davida himself commented that he performs this celebration after every goal and would do the same regardless of which side of the field he scored on, acknowledging that some might perceive it as provocation.