Security Guard Arrested for Assaulting Hapoel Petah Tikva Fans with Rod at Toto Cup Match

Israeli police arrested a security guard in his twenties from Abu Ghosh on Thursday, suspected of assaulting Hapoel Petah Tikva fans with a rod during a violent incident at the Moshava Stadium. The clash occurred during halftime of the Toto Cup match between Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya, when several fans confronted civilian security personnel stationed around the pitch. Video footage showed one guard striking a fan on the head with a rod, causing injuries that required hospitalization at Beilinson Medical Center.

Police intervened after the security manager failed to control the situation and requested assistance, in line with the Sports Violence Prevention Law. The police commander at the stadium took charge, reinforced forces, restored order, and the match resumed and concluded normally. Another security guard was detained for questioning the previous evening and later released. Investigators tracked down and arrested the second guard suspected of fleeing the scene after using the rod against fans.

Hapoel Petah Tikva strongly condemned the attack, stating that following the "shocking assault" by security guards on their supporters, football no longer matters. They wished a speedy recovery to the injured fan and emphasized that "fans' blood is not forfeit." The club confirmed full cooperation with police and demanded the arrest of all involved individuals. The suspect's detention was extended by four days by court order.