Security Guard Who Attacked Fan Released to House Arrest Amid Mental Health Concerns

A security guard accused of assaulting fans with a metal rod during a Toto Cup match between Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya was released to house arrest, despite opposition from the Petah Tikva police station. The court was informed that the suspect suffers from a mental illness, prompting Judge Maor Even Chen to order house arrest instead of detention. The judge emphasized the severity of the alleged acts but noted that the investigation could continue while the suspect remains under this alternative measure. He also urged investigators to assess the suspect's cognitive condition at this stage.

The violent incident erupted after verbal exchanges between fans escalated, leading to security personnel and guards throwing chairs at spectators. The situation deteriorated to the point where riot police had to intervene to restore order. During the melee, one fan was struck in the head and hospitalized with significant bleeding, while another was hit with a broken chair. Several fans also physically attacked the security staff.

Following the chaos, three security personnel were arrested. The guard who allegedly struck the fan in the head is a resident of East Jerusalem and has now been placed under house arrest. The incident continues to draw attention due to its severity and the ongoing investigation into the security staff's conduct.