Israeli League Chairman Demands Security License Revocations After Violent Stadium Incident

Erez Calfon, chairman of the Israeli Football Leagues Administration, expressed shock over a violent confrontation that occurred on August 5 at the Shlomo Insurance Stadium during a match involving Hapoel Petah Tikva. The incident involved two security guards clashing with a small group of fans during halftime, raising serious concerns about fan safety and trust in stadium security.

In a letter addressed to the Israel Police, Calfon called for a thorough investigation and strict accountability for all involved parties. He demanded the immediate revocation of the security licenses of the two guards implicated in the altercation, along with their permanent ban from football stadiums both as security personnel and spectators.

Beyond addressing this specific event, Calfon urged the advancement of measures to strengthen the overall security system at football matches. These include expanding the pool of qualified security staff, recognizing security work at sports events as preferred employment, and implementing arrangements allowing active-duty soldiers to work in stadium security on weekends. These steps aim to professionalize and enhance the effectiveness of stadium security nationwide.