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 addressed the issue on "5 Ba'avir," explaining that the clip was "cut and unfair" 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 reiterated that his specific issues were with behavior like chanting "Holocaust for Maccabi Tel Aviv," throwing objects onto the field, and the need for security escorts at youth games, which he deemed "not normal."

Koppel further stated that his "hatred" is directed at those individuals who engage in such behavior and use offensive language, not the entire fanbase. He highlighted receiving hateful messages himself, including death wishes for his children, which he also condemned. He also mentioned praising Salim Tuama's contributions after the October 7th events within 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 offensive chants are "unacceptable."