Hapoel Petah Tikva Blames Beitar Jerusalem Fans for Field Invasion, Violence

Hapoel Petah Tikva has strongly criticized Beitar Jerusalem fans following violent incidents that occurred before their match on Sunday. The club stated that security costs for the event reached approximately 300,000 shekels, yet security personnel and stewards were unable to prevent Beitar fans from breaching the field from the east stand. Hapoel Petah Tikva expressed frustration that the club, which was harmed by the events, would also bear the financial burden. They emphasized that Beitar Jerusalem fans initiated the incident by rushing onto the field before the game, leading to a violent brawl after an attempt to damage Hapoel's cheering equipment. The club insisted that responsibility for the subsequent events cannot be detached from the initial breach and that those who initiated it must be held accountable.

Hapoel Petah Tikva highlighted that Sunday's events are not isolated but part of a recurring pattern of disturbances involving Beitar Jerusalem supporters at various stadiums. They argued against treating each incident as a singular case, ignoring the repeated behavior, and shifting responsibility to the host club. The club finds the situation unacceptable where clubs must repeatedly confront and bear the consequences of violent conduct by visiting fans. Hapoel Petah Tikva asserted that primary responsibility lies with those who breached order and endangered attendees. They warned that punishing the victimized club while overlooking the context and the visiting fans' consistent behavior would send the wrong message to Israeli football.