Tiberias FC Proud of Draw, Eyeing League Survival Despite Penalties

Hapoel Ironi Tiberias expressed satisfaction with their 1-1 draw against Beitar Jerusalem on Saturday, with club officials stating they "deserved to win" the match, which they considered one of their best performances this season. Despite facing financial uncertainty and a potential additional points deduction, Tiberias is seeing their seemingly impossible mission of staying in the Premier League become more realistic.

Coach Alon Ziv and his staff received praise for preparing the team to play an attacking and brave game. "It's a good point, but the feeling is we could have come away with three," said club representatives. They emphasized that playing good, fearless football yields positive results, even when facing skepticism.

Goalkeeper Ido Sharon has been a stabilizing force, crediting his defense and the team's resilience. "I made an unusual step coming to Tiberias, I believed in myself from the first moment," Sharon stated, expressing hope to continue his strong performances. He acknowledged the team's difficult circumstances, including a points deduction, but remains focused on the goal of league survival.

Despite the positive sentiment, the club was angered by a missed penalty call in the box on Ondrej Bacho. "If that's not a penalty, then we don't know what is. Shame and disgrace. Where was Shmuelovitch who was on VAR?!" they questioned, citing a foul on Bacho that went uncalled.

This week, Tiberias is expected to lose an additional three points due to a plea bargain with the Football Association, leaving them with only one point. However, the club is looking forward to putting the "transfers affair" behind them, believing their fate is now in their own hands. The players have been given a week off and will return to training next Sunday. The team hopes to have Ziv Morgan and Daniel Golani, both suffering from hamstring injuries, back to fitness before resuming league play against Hapoel Haifa.