Hapoel Petah Tikva Faces Technical Defeat Over 12 Players on Field

Hapoel Petah Tikva is in hot water after potentially fielding 12 players simultaneously during their Saturday match against Maccabi Netanya. The controversy arose during added time when Maor Levi scored a penalty, and it was discovered that 11 outfield players plus the goalkeeper were on the pitch. This is a clear violation of football regulations, which stipulate a technical loss for the team involved.

The incident occurred during a triple substitution attempt by Hapoel Petah Tikva. One player reportedly failed to leave the field in time, leading to the excess number of players. The team's management is reportedly furious with the refereeing, claiming the referee is responsible for ensuring players leave the field during substitutions and questioning how a new player was allowed on without the outgoing one having exited.

One player, speaking anonymously, stated, "The referee's responsibility is to send the player off during the substitution. Roi Levi did not leave, he did not see the sign that was up for 2-3 seconds. How did the referee agree to let Klay in if Roi Levi did not leave? That is his responsibility."

Coach Omer Peretz commented, "I don't know what happened, we need to see it, I don't know what it's about. We made three substitutions. Boni Amain did not leave on time and the referee left Altman on the field. The moment Boni Amain left, Tomer entered."

Maccabi Netanya player Maor Levi stated, "We need to check how this happened. Whoever made the mistake must bear the consequences." The case is expected to go to the football association's disciplinary tribunal, where Hapoel Petah Tikva is likely to face a technical defeat according to the regulations.