Hapoel Petah Tikva Fan Assaulted by Security Guard During Toto Cup Match

An incident of violence occurred on Wednesday evening during the Toto Cup match between Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya at HaMoshava Stadium. Local fans clashed with several security personnel in the stands, during which a security guard struck a Hapoel Petah Tikva supporter on the head with an iron rod. The injured fan was evacuated by Magen David Adom and taken to Beilinson Hospital in mild to moderate condition.

The confrontation erupted during halftime, with Maccabi Netanya leading 2-0 thanks to goals by Dor Hugy and Mateus Dabo. Hapoel Petah Tikva responded to the incident on their official X (formerly Twitter) page, condemning the "shocking attack by security guards on the club’s fans during halftime" and stating that "football no longer matters." They wished a speedy recovery to the injured fan and emphasized that "fans’ blood is not to be taken lightly." The club confirmed that the event is under investigation and that they are cooperating with the police, demanding the arrest of those involved.

Video footage circulating on social media showed the violent altercation between the "Blue Front" fan group and security staff, with criticism highlighting HaMoshava Stadium as having some of the most violent security personnel in the country. The incident has sparked outrage among fans and raised concerns about safety at Israeli football matches.