Football Officials Demand Stricter Enforcement Against Field Invaders

Translated & summarized from Mako by baba

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Hebrew · 3 newsrooms covering

Football Association Chairman Shino Zuarz and League Management Chairman Erez Kalfon have demanded increased police enforcement against fans invading playing fields following a violent pre-match incident. They are calling for thorough investigations, prosecution of offenders, and the use of administrative fines. The officials criticized the normalization of field invasions and the lack of effective enforcement of existing laws, emphasizing the need for safety for all fans.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Football officials demanded stricter police action against fans invading playing fields after a brawl.
A joint letter urged Police Commissioner Dany Levi to investigate and prosecute offenders.
The officials cited a recurring problem of field invasions and the normalization of such acts.
They criticized the underutilization of a NIS 3,000 administrative fine for field incursions.
The letter emphasized the need for fan safety and security at football matches.

Following a mass brawl between fans of Hapoel Petah Tikva and Beitar Jerusalem before a Sunday match, the Chairman of the Football Association, Shino Zuarz, and the Chairman of the League Management, Erez Kalfon, have jointly written to Police Commissioner Dany Levi. They are demanding increased enforcement against fans who invade the playing field, urging a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those involved.

The officials highlighted that the altercation occurred minutes before the game's start, while players were warming up, in front of thousands of spectators, including families and teenagers. They stated that it was only by chance that no serious injuries occurred, attributing the incident to a recurring problem this season, partly due to the normalization of fans entering the field.

In their letter, Zuarz and Kalfon emphasized that entering the playing field is a criminal offense under the 2008 Law Against Violence in Sport. They criticized a lenient approach, stating that simply escorting fans back to the stands after violent incidents is insufficient. They also pointed out that despite legislative amendments in 2022 allowing police to issue administrative fines of NIS 3,000 for field incursions, this tool is not being utilized, rendering legislative changes ineffective if not enforced.

The football leaders requested a comprehensive police investigation using stadium cameras and available footage to identify all individuals who entered the field or participated in the brawl. They called for full legal consequences, including administrative fines and bans from football grounds. They also addressed the responsibility of clubs, arguing that clubs should not be penalized when they lack the authority to prevent such incursions, and that effective police enforcement is crucial.

Concluding their letter, Zuarz and Kalfon stressed that millions of football fans wish to attend matches with their children safely, and this requires an end to overlooking fans invading the playing field.