Sponsor Clarifies 'Hatred' for Hapoel Tel Aviv Fans Amid Controversy

Miki Koppel, a sponsor for the referees' association and Maccabi Tel Aviv, has clarified remarks he made in August about Hapoel Tel Aviv, which resurfaced and caused renewed controversy. A short clip from the "Ani Maccabi" podcast, widely shared on social media, featured Koppel stating, "I hate Hapoel Tel Aviv. Record me. Professional only? No! I hate. Just football? No. Hate. As long as they sing 'May there be a Holocaust for Maccabi Tel Aviv,' as long as they throw balls during the game. As long as I'm afraid to leave the parking lot for a youth game in Wolfson because I know I might not return home, I hate them with a deathly hatred."

Following the backlash, Koppel explained on "5 Ba'avir" that the clip was unfairly edited and did not represent his full statement. He asserted that he had previously praised Hapoel Tel Aviv's "colorful and loyal fans" and acknowledged their strong attendance even if Maccabi Tel Aviv were in a lower league. Koppel specified that his "hatred" was directed at specific behaviors, including the chanting of "Holocaust for Maccabi Tel Aviv" and throwing objects onto the field, and incidents where he felt unsafe attending youth games.

Koppel further elaborated that he was reacting to hateful messages he received on Twitter, including death wishes for himself and his children, which he described as "hundreds of messages." He emphasized that his animosity is not towards all Hapoel Tel Aviv supporters but specifically those who engage in such conduct and use offensive language. He also mentioned praising Salim Tuama's contributions after the October 7th events in the same podcast.

He drew a parallel to how Maccabi Tel Aviv owner Mitch Goldhar would react if similar "Holocaust curses" were directed at his club, suggesting Goldhar would immediately shut down the team. Koppel concluded that such extreme language is unacceptable.