Hapoel Petah Tikva Admits Squad Weakened Amid Budget Cuts and Security Incident

Hapoel Petah Tikva acknowledged a decline in team strength this season due to a lower-than-expected budget, following their 2-0 home loss to Maccabi Netanya in the Toto Cup. The club is considering selling players such as Chipiunga Songa and Roy David to finance new signings, although no offers have yet met their expectations. Coach Omer Peretz openly stated that the team cannot aim for a top-six finish this season, citing that rival teams have strengthened their squads and increased budgets while his team has weakened.

The match was overshadowed by a violent incident in the eastern stands, where a fan, Liam Talcar, was severely injured after allegedly being struck on the head with an iron rod by a security guard. Talcar required over 20 stitches and medical imaging before being released. The club plans to investigate the event and may replace the security company or alter steward arrangements. The suspect, a security guard from East Jerusalem, is expected to appear before a judge as police seek to extend his detention due to flight risk and dangerousness. He is also suspected of fleeing from police, evading capture for approximately 25 minutes.

On the sporting front, Peretz revealed he has not yet received the promised budget to strengthen the squad significantly. The club aims to recruit up to three players, including defender Roy Zrihen, a foreign center-back with Diego Aroyo still in consideration, and an additional attacking player. The club is awaiting a ruling on compensation fees related to Zrihen from Hapoel Rishon LeZion. Despite current financial constraints, Hapoel Petah Tikva remains open to player sales if it enables multiple reinforcements.