Three Security Guards Arrested After Violent Brawl at Israeli Toto Cup Match

Three security guards were detained following a violent altercation during the Toto Cup match between Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya at the Shlomo Biton Stadium in Petah Tikva on August 5, 2026. The incident occurred during halftime when a clash erupted in the stands between Hapoel Petah Tikva fans and security personnel. Video footage showed security guards and staff throwing chairs at fans, while some fans responded by punching the guards. One fan was seriously injured after being struck in the head with a metal rod, suspected to be wielded by one of the guards, and was hospitalized with bleeding. Another fan was hurt by a broken chair.

Following the incident, three security guards were arrested for questioning, including one resident of East Jerusalem suspected of assaulting the fan with the metal rod. The stadium’s security manager was asked to provide the identification of all security personnel present. The Israeli Police’s riot control unit intervened to restore order.

Erez Calfon, chairman of the Football Leagues Administration, condemned the violence and called for a thorough police investigation. In a letter to the head of the Sports Violence Prevention Unit, Calfon demanded the immediate revocation of the licenses of the involved security guards and their permanent ban from stadiums, both as security staff and spectators. He also urged measures to strengthen security at sporting events, including recognizing security work at sports events as preferred employment and allowing active-duty soldiers to work security at weekend games.

The police confirmed their prompt response to the brawl, detaining suspects and restoring order. Hapoel Petah Tikva expressed wishes for the injured fan’s speedy recovery and emphasized that fan safety is paramount. The match resumed after the incident and ended with a 2-0 victory for Maccabi Netanya.