Maccabi Netanya Player Maor Levi Set to Return After Disciplinary Action

Maccabi Netanya is preparing to face bottom-of-the-table Ironi Tiberias this Saturday. The club anticipates Tiberias may adopt a defensive strategy, focusing on counter-attacks. Mental consultant Eran Weisbard, who joined in the summer, is expected to play a significant role in the team's preparation, alongside the professional staff. "In situations like these, where Tiberias players are fighting for their careers, their names, and their next contracts, you have to understand this won't be a walk in the park," a club source stated.

Netanya has resumed training after a day off. Player Maor Levi attended training after a disciplinary hearing yesterday, resulting in a 1,500 shekel fine. Levi, who will also treat the team to a meal, spoke personally with coach Roni Levy before the session. According to the club, with his punishment settled, there's no reason he shouldn't return to the starting lineup for the upcoming match. Levi was reportedly unhappy with the team's first-half performance in their win against Ironi Kiryat Shmona. He may replace either Aziz Watara or Gabriel Simion, with the latter's chances of starting considered higher.

Separately, on Wednesday, the club's legal counsel will appear before the tribunal to request a technical loss for Hapoel Petah Tikva in their match against Netanya. The request stems from Hapoel Petah Tikva allegedly fielding a player illegally, with 12 players on the field simultaneously. Netanya has gathered precedents where the tribunal has ruled for a technical loss based on regulations, even in cases of unintentional errors.