Liga Chairman Demands Permanent Ban on Security Guards After Violence at Israeli Football Match

Following a violent incident at a football match between Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya on Wednesday, where security guards assaulted fans at the Petah Tikva stadium, Eran Kalphon, chairman of the Israeli Football Leagues Administration, sent a letter to the Police Commissioner and the Ministry of Sports on Thursday morning. Kalphon expressed shock over the serious event involving two security personnel and called it unacceptable, emphasizing the damage to fan safety and public trust in stadium security.

In his letter, Kalphon demanded a thorough investigation and full accountability for those involved. He also called for the immediate revocation of the security licenses of the two guards and their permanent removal from football stadiums, both as security staff and spectators. Kalphon further urged the authorities to strengthen the security system by expanding the pool of qualified security personnel.

He proposed recognizing security work at sports events as a preferred occupation and allowing active-duty soldiers to work in stadium security on weekends. These measures aim to professionalize and improve the effectiveness of stadium security to prevent future incidents.