Maccabi Haifa Fans Allege Police Brutality at Teddy Stadium

Maccabi Haifa Football Club has announced it will not sell tickets to its fans for games at Teddy Stadium, starting with an upcoming match against Hapoel Jerusalem. This decision follows years of alleged violent confrontations and excessive force by police against the club's supporters. Fans describe experiences of beatings, arrests, and lasting trauma, making stadium visits feel threatening. The club claims this is a recurring pattern, while police state they have had to deal with disturbances, assaults on officers, and object throwing by some fans.

The conflict has extended beyond Teddy Stadium, with increased police presence at games between Maccabi Haifa and Jerusalem teams at Sammy Ofer Stadium due to fears of renewed clashes. Several incidents have been cited, including a 2021 game where three fans were arrested during mask mandate enforcement, and a 2022 cup final where police entered the stands after flares were thrown, allegedly escalating the situation. In response to fan complaints after the 2022 final, the club's then-incoming CEO contacted the police commander, even raising the possibility of advising fans not to attend future games in Jerusalem.

In November 2022, Maccabi Haifa fan groups boycotted a game against Beitar Jerusalem in protest of alleged police violence. Further clashes occurred in February 2024 when police entered a stand to remove a banner, with fans reporting severe violence, including against uninvolved individuals. Police claimed fans spat at officers and threw objects, injuring two officers. In April 2026, after another match, dozens of fans reported harsh treatment, with videos showing fans being dragged and confronted by police. The club demanded a thorough investigation, while police stated a small group of fans from both teams acted violently.

One fan, identified only as Lior, recounted being beaten and arrested on suspicion of throwing an object, which he denies. He described being dragged on the floor, handcuffed, and hearing an officer say, "Why didn't you slaughter him? Why did you leave him whole?" Lior has filed a complaint with the Police Internal Investigations Department. Another fan, Yarin Avraham, described witnessing "crazy violence" after a recent game, with fans being dragged, punched, and kicked, stating police targeted the general crowd.

Maccabi Haifa reiterated its appreciation for police work but emphasized the consistent pattern of severe violence against fans of all ages at Teddy Stadium, which they claim is not seen elsewhere. They stated that despite promises of investigation and lessons learned, no sufficient change has occurred, and they cannot take responsibility for selling tickets until the situation improves. The Israel Police dismissed claims of targeted force, asserting their actions are based on operational assessments to ensure safe events and that they will continue to act against violence and disorder. The League Administration and Hapoel Jerusalem have called for Maccabi Haifa fans to attend the upcoming game, promising safe conditions and separate seating.