Maccabi Haifa CEO Cites Safety Concerns for Fan Ban at Jerusalem Match
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Haifa will not sell tickets to its fans for an away game in Jerusalem due to safety fears.
- CEO Itzik Ovadia cited a history of fan injuries and negative experiences at Teddy Stadium.
- The club is concerned about alleged excessive police force impacting innocent fans.
- Ovadia stated that individual offenders should be punished, not all fans.
- The CEO previously raised these concerns in 2022 without resolution.
- Ovadia rejected protests that involve personal insults or defamation.
Maccabi Haifa CEO Itzik Ovadia announced that the club will not sell tickets to its fans for the upcoming October 12th match against Hapoel Jerusalem, citing ongoing safety concerns at Teddy Stadium. Ovadia stated that Maccabi Haifa fans have consistently returned from matches in Jerusalem with "bruises and the same difficult experiences" since 2021, and he no longer feels confident about the fan experience.
Ovadia emphasized that the club's responsibility extends beyond just bringing fans to games; it includes ensuring their safety during travel, entry, exit, and interactions with police. He clarified that while the club does not condone violence or rioting, and individuals who break the law should be held accountable, innocent fans should not bear the consequences of others' actions. The CEO expressed concern that the behavior of a few could endanger thousands of regular fans, including families, and stressed the need for fans to return home safely after games.
The CEO revealed that he first raised these concerns in 2022 and has been in discussions with the Jerusalem police, including a special unit, to find solutions. While acknowledging the police's work, Ovadia insisted that the approach must change, particularly regarding what he described as "excessive force" in Jerusalem that affects innocent people. He stated that despite past assurances of more patient and accommodating police conduct, the problem persists, evidenced by videos of injured innocent fans.
Ovadia declared he would not accept mere promises this time and called for guarantees from authorities. He characterized the incidents around Teddy Stadium as neither isolated nor accidental, and while not absolving Maccabi Haifa fans of all responsibility, he highlighted that the issue has led to casualties. Addressing protests from some Maccabi Haifa fans against his decision, Ovadia expressed hurt but maintained his stance, distinguishing between legitimate protest and personal insults or defamation, which he stated are unacceptable.
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