Israeli Football Disciplinary Tribunal Hands Suspensions After Violent Cup Final Brawl

The Israeli Football Association's disciplinary tribunal has approved plea agreements following the violent brawl at the State Cup final between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be'er Sheva. The tribunal imposed heavy fines on both clubs and significant suspensions on players and staff involved in the incident that marred the season's conclusion.

Maccabi Tel Aviv's Kerwin Andrade received the harshest penalty with a seven-match suspension plus an additional seven matches conditional. Christian Blitz was suspended for five matches (plus five conditional), Elad Madmon for three (plus three conditional), and Tyrese Asante for one match (plus two conditional). The club's manager, Yoav Ziv, was banned from all pitch-side roles for three months starting July 1, reduced from an initial six-month demand. Maccabi Tel Aviv was fined 114,000 shekels for racist chants, fan disturbances, and unsportsmanlike conduct by players.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva players also faced suspensions: Samir Farhoud was banned for five matches (plus five conditional), Zahi Ahmed for four (plus four conditional), Javon East and Mohammad Abu Romi each for three matches (plus three conditional). Mohammad Kana'an, who was sent off during the game, received a two-match conditional suspension. The club was fined 114,000 shekels and given a conditional penalty of a two-point deduction if future group misconduct occurs.

The tribunal judges, including attorneys Noam Liubin, Munin, and Sigal Berliner Levinson, condemned the incident as disgraceful, stating, "The final whistle was the start of a shameful event. All involved should be ashamed. Next time, no plea deals will be accepted, and harsher penalties will be imposed." They emphasized the players and staff must serve as role models and announced that both clubs will hold a joint anti-violence ceremony before the upcoming Champion of Champions match on Thursday at Turner Stadium.

The tribunal clarified that approving the plea agreements was a matter of judicial efficiency, but the clear message is that Israeli football will no longer tolerate violent behavior that tarnishes the reputation of the country's official competitions.