Basketball Associations Condemn Owner's Remarks on Referee

Ofer Yanai, the owner of the Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball team, sharply criticized referee Spi Shemesh on Tuesday, questioning his abilities and suggesting he should retire. Yanai stated that Shemesh, 58, "barely moves, barely sees, barely notices what's happening" and that it's time for him to "make way for young and talented referees."

In response, the Referees Association, led by Chairman Assaf Shalom, issued a strong condemnation of Yanai's comments, calling them "incitement" and stating that the association would take legal action. Shalom defended Shemesh, highlighting his excellent performance in a recent game and noting that Shemesh is currently officiating in EuroCup and EuroLeague games. He dismissed Yanai's remarks as personal insults and not a reflection of the referees' professionalism.

The Israel Basketball Association also released a statement, unequivocally condemning Yanai's statements against Shemesh and the Referees Association. The association emphasized its commitment to eradicating physical and verbal violence in sports and expressed shock at the repeated disparaging remarks directed at referees. They affirmed their full support for the referees and the Referees Association, asserting that such discourse has no place in basketball or sports.

Shalom further clarified that there is no age limit for referees in the Basketball Association, as the previous age limit from 2012 was abolished and is inconsistent with freedom of occupation laws. Referees can continue to officiate as long as they meet professional, medical, and physical fitness criteria. The Referees Association indicated that they have filed complaints against Yanai with the Basketball Association's prosecutor, who has brought him and his team to trial multiple times.