Maccabi Netanya Enforces Discipline After Training Match Incident with Willian Sapirian

Maccabi Netanya, still in the process of finalizing its squad ahead of the new season, emphasized strict discipline during a recent training match against Hapoel Haifa. On July 7, during the friendly game, a penalty kick was awarded to Netanya. Although player Oz Bilu was designated to take the shot, French midfielder Willian Sapirian took the ball and scored without following the coaching staff's instructions. This breach of protocol led to Sapirian being substituted shortly after the penalty, despite having entered the game only minutes earlier.

The club made it clear that head coach Roni Levi does not tolerate rule-breaking regardless of a player's status or reputation. Players within the team stated, "Whoever breaks the rules will be punished." There is speculation that Sapirian might not continue with Maccabi Netanya, independently of this incident. However, the club does not plan to rush into signing a replacement foreign midfielder unless a significantly better option is found.

Sapirian, unlike other foreign players such as Pedrinho and Junior Diomande who struggled to integrate socially, was considered a unifying presence in the locker room, which heightened expectations for his conduct. Meanwhile, other players like Dor Hugi and Bassam Zarourah performed well, and Netanya was dominant in the first half until substitutions in the second half.

Additionally, goalkeeper Samuel Silva, who recently signed a two-year contract worth approximately 250,000 euros, is set to join the training camp after receiving approval from his mother, which was previously pending. The club also confirmed Hassan Hilo as a candidate for the squad, with the possibility that defender Beni Feldman might be loaned out if Hilo joins.