Maccabi Netanya Enforces Discipline After Training Match Incident with Willian Sapirian

Maccabi Netanya has not yet finalized its squad for the upcoming season, but head coach Roni Levi is emphasizing strict discipline even during friendly matches. On July 7, during a training game against Hapoel Haifa, a disciplinary incident occurred when a penalty kick was awarded to Netanya. Although Oz Bilu was designated to take the penalty, French midfielder Willian Sapirian took the ball and ignored the coaching staff's decision, subsequently scoring the goal. The coaching staff and players at Netanya disapproved of Sapirian's behavior, and he was substituted shortly after the penalty despite having entered the match only minutes earlier.

Club insiders stated, "For Roni Levi, it doesn't matter who you are or your background; anyone who breaks the rules will be punished." It is also likely that Sapirian will not continue with the club, regardless of the incident. However, Netanya does not plan to rush into signing a replacement foreign midfielder unless a significantly better option becomes available. Unlike other foreign players who struggled to integrate socially, Sapirian was considered a unifying presence in the locker room, which heightened expectations for his conduct.

In other team news, Dor Hugi and Bassam Zarourah showed strong performances, and Netanya dominated the first half until substitutions in the second half. Goalkeeper Samuel Silva, who recently signed a two-year contract worth approximately 250,000 euros, will join the team directly at training camp after receiving approval from his mother. Additionally, the club confirmed Hassan Hilu as a candidate for signing; if he joins, defender Benny Feldman may be loaned out for the season.