Maccabi Haifa FC Halts Ticket Sales for Jerusalem Matches Over Police Conduct

Maccabi Haifa Football Club has announced a significant decision to stop selling tickets to its fans for games played at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. The club cited a series of incidents over recent years involving alleged violent conduct by local police forces towards their supporters during matches. Despite repeated attempts to address the issue through dialogue and warnings, the club stated that the situation on the ground remains unsatisfactory.

Maccabi Haifa claims to have engaged in numerous discussions and issued warnings to Jerusalem district police, requesting a change in how the team's fans are treated. The club emphasized that these efforts, aimed at preventing unnecessary confrontations, have not resulted in the substantial improvements they sought.

The team further alleges that in some instances surrounding games at Teddy Stadium, disproportionate force was used against their fans, including families, women, and children. The club stressed that this is not just about the spectator experience but primarily about the personal safety of attendees.

This decision to halt ticket sales is described as an unusual step and will remain in effect until the club is convinced that there has been a tangible change in conduct and that fans can be guaranteed safe and appropriate conditions in Jerusalem. The club stated, "We cannot accept a situation that endangers the fans."

Maccabi Haifa expressed hope for a resolution, leaving the door open for the return of their fans to the stadium once they feel a sense of full security and protection. They are now awaiting practical steps from the authorities to restore normalcy and ensure football matches remain safe sporting events.