Maccabi Haifa Fans Shun Match Amid Security Concerns

Only around 700 tickets have been sold to Maccabi Haifa fans for the upcoming match against Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium on Monday. Maccabi Haifa had previously opted not to purchase tickets due to alleged mistreatment by the Moriah police. In response, the League Management, in cooperation with Hapoel Jerusalem, Israeli Police, and security officials, issued a joint statement urging Maccabi Haifa fans to attend the game in a safe and respectful atmosphere. Designated separate stands will be allocated for Maccabi Haifa supporters. Hapoel Jerusalem CEO Uri Sheratzky invited the fans, emphasizing that football belongs to the supporters and that the club aims for a positive and non-violent atmosphere. Tickets are priced at an accessible 70 NIS. However, the Maccabi Haifa fan organization, "The Northern Stand," advised supporters against attending, citing a lack of real solutions to the severe violence their fans have experienced at the stadium previously. They accused the joint statement from the league and Hapoel Jerusalem of endangering their fans solely to generate revenue, especially after only a few hundred tickets were sold. The organization urged fans who had already purchased tickets to cancel them.