Maccabi Haifa Fans Boycott Away Game, Criticize Club Management

The fan organization "the fan organization" announced it is joining the boycott of the upcoming away game against Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium. However, the group expressed strong criticism towards Maccabi Haifa's management, stating the decision came "too little, too late." The fans argue that the club should have acted sooner to address issues of mistreatment at Teddy Stadium, rather than waiting until protests became widespread.

The "the fan organization" believe the club's decision is an attempt to improve relations with the fans and reduce recent criticism. They also suggested that the choice of opponent, Hapoel Jerusalem, made the decision easier for the club, implying a boycott against Beitar Jerusalem might not have occurred. This highlights a deep lack of trust between the fans and the management, even when they appear to be aligned.

The organization recalled ending a previous boycott of Teddy Stadium about a year ago, believing cooperation was necessary for lasting change. However, recent incidents, including alleged police violence against fans in April, have renewed their concerns. They claim these incidents affected not just a small group but the general Maccabi Haifa fanbase, including minors and adults, indicating a systemic problem.

Despite their criticism, the "the fan organization" stated they would have attended the game if the club hadn't officially withdrawn ticket allocations. Now, they are urging all fans to unite behind the boycott to exert significant pressure. They emphasize that fans are not criminals and deserve respectful, safe treatment, aiming to represent the entire fanbase in this protest.

Hapoel Jerusalem, however, still plans to sell tickets directly to Maccabi Haifa fans, creating a potential loophole. The "the fan organization" are actively trying to prevent fans from using this option, urging them to honor the boycott to ensure the protest is effective. The situation underscores a complex relationship between the club and its fans, who, despite internal disagreements, are choosing to act together on this issue.