Hapoel Owner Slams Team After Derby Loss, Cites Unfair Refereeing

Following a significant defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Super Cup, Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yanai addressed his players in the locker room, expressing his disappointment and frustration. Yanai stated that while he hates losing, he views losses as fuel for improvement, referencing past series against Real Madrid and Maccabi where the team learned valuable lessons about team building and the need for naturalized players.

Yanai also criticized the refereeing during the game, calling it "illogical and unfair." He specifically mentioned players like Kadine Carrington, Zach LeDay, and Vasilije Micić, suggesting they did not receive fair calls. He acknowledged that playing against Maccabi often involves biased officiating but urged his players to maintain focus and energy regardless of the circumstances.

"Today you lost your heads and it seems your spirit is broken," Yanai told the team. He expressed hope that they would develop a similar hatred for losing as he has, and use the pain of the defeat to motivate a better performance in the future. The team's opening to the season has been difficult after this loss.