Israeli striker Omer Dahan responded publicly on Tuesday to the backlash he has received after revealing that he is the player at the center of a police investigation tied to a gang from Migdal HaEmek. Police said last week that, as part of the probe, a footballer from one of Israel’s biggest clubs had been arrested.
Dahan said he appreciated the outpouring of support. “Thank you for all the warm responses, I really appreciate the encouragement and support from people close to me and from others too. It strengthens me a lot,” he said.
He also addressed critics directly. “Thank you גם to those who chose to express criticism or a different opinion. In the end, the public understands and sees the information that is published. I respect every opinion and every response, even when I do not agree with it. Thank you to the Lord for everything, always,” he said.
A day earlier, Dahan had said he was the player in question, while denying the allegations linked to match-fixing and game manipulation. “I have no connection to the claims of match-fixing, selling matches, the things attributed to me do not reflect who I am and the way I have acted לאורך השנים,” he said, adding that he had “never harmed the team” he played for and had always acted with “dedication, commitment and respect.”
