Maccabi Haifa Spokesperson Cites Distrust in Jerusalem Police Over Fan Violence

Maccabi Haifa will not allocate tickets for orderly sale to its fans for the upcoming match against Hapoel Jerusalem, citing a "loss of trust" in the Jerusalem Police. Dudu Bazak, spokesperson for Maccabi Haifa, stated on 103FM that the decision stems from five to six "not simple" violent incidents involving their fans since 2021, including instances of fans being dragged and a protest flag being forcibly removed. Bazak emphasized that the issue is not with Hapoel Jerusalem, who he considers the primary victim, but with the police's handling of security. He noted that Maccabi Haifa had previously requested that a cup semifinal not be held at Teddy Stadium due to these concerns. Bazak explained that since the 2008 Sports Violence Law, police presence has shifted from inside stands to external security, with exceptions for extreme cases. He described a specific incident in 2021 where three fans allegedly entered violently and dragged out individuals, and another where a protest flag, approved by a court, was violently taken down. The club feels they have reached an impasse, and while fans can still purchase tickets, Maccabi Haifa will not take responsibility for their safety at the game. Bazak indicated that this situation reflects a broader problem within Israeli football, where fans' lack of confidence in the Jerusalem police is deterring attendance. He stated that they have not reached out to higher authorities like Itamar Ben-Gvir, and that the decision to not guarantee fan safety was difficult but necessary, prioritizing well-being over professional success.