Israeli Soccer's Weekend: Coaches' Responsibility, Referee Controversy, and Team Futures

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 12 newsrooms covering

Israeli soccer saw coach Barak Bakhar take responsibility for Maccabi Haifa's performance and depart, a move praised for its leadership. Beitar Jerusalem faces scrutiny over its coaching decision for Almog Cohen, with calls for maturity. A controversial red card issued by referee Naal Odeh sparked debate about player-coach conduct. The weekend also featured standout performances and crucial upcoming matches that could shape team seasons.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Coach Barak Bakhar resigned from Maccabi Haifa, taking responsibility for the team's performance.
Beitar Jerusalem is urged to show maturity and support coach Almog Cohen despite recent losses.
Referee Naal Odeh's red card for Dario Zufrich's comment sparked controversy over player-referee interactions.
Roni Levy is recognized for a significant win after facing criticism.
Nana Antwi is highlighted as a promising player for Beitar Jerusalem.
Eitan Tibi's late equalizer against Maccabi Tel Aviv was a dramatic moment.

Israeli Soccer's Weekend: Coaches' Responsibility, Referee Controversy, and Team Futures — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The recent weekend in Israeli soccer highlighted key moments of responsibility, controversy, and team dynamics. Coach Barak Bakhar's departure from Maccabi Haifa was marked by a significant act of taking responsibility for the team's performance, a move lauded as a rare display of leadership in Israel. Bakhar stated he had been given all the tools to succeed but ultimately failed, choosing to step aside rather than blame others. This decision, while painful, is seen as a testament to his character and success, with the article suggesting he will return to coaching after a period of reflection.

Meanwhile, the article discusses the ongoing challenges at Beitar Jerusalem, particularly regarding the decision to appoint Almog Cohen as coach. Despite recent poor results, the piece argues that the club should demonstrate maturity by sticking with Cohen, rather than succumbing to pressure for quick changes, which would echo past negative behaviors. The upcoming break offers Beitar a chance to regroup and reassess their long-term vision.

A contentious refereeing decision by Naal Odeh in the Hapoel Haifa vs. Kiryat Shmona match drew criticism. Referee Odeh issued a second yellow card, leading to a red card, for player Dario Zufrich's comment "Shame on you." The article contends that this was an excessive reaction, prioritizing the referee's personal feelings over the game's integrity and the need for a high threshold for player dismissals. The piece suggests referees are sometimes too focused on their own honor, forgetting their primary role is to enforce the rules.

In other news, Roni Levy is highlighted as a winner for his team's significant victory after facing criticism. Nana Antwi is praised as a standout player for Beitar Jerusalem, showcasing speed and effective attacking play. Eitan Tibi's late equalizer against Maccabi Tel Aviv is noted as a dramatic moment, with his respectful reaction towards his former club earning admiration. The article concludes by pointing to the upcoming match between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Hapoel Tel Aviv as a crucial fixture that could define the season's trajectory for both teams.