New Football Rule Leads to Key Player Suspension in Hapoel Tel Aviv Victory Over Ironi Kiryat Shmona

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a dramatic 2-1 win against Ironi Kiryat Shmona on August 16, 2026, benefiting from a new football rule that temporarily reduced Kiryat Shmona to 10 players during a crucial moment. The incident occurred when Nemanja Ljubisavljevic, Kiryat Shmona's defender, was required to leave the field for treatment after a leg cramp and had to remain off the pitch for at least one minute, as stipulated by the recently implemented regulation.

Sports analyst Ziv Adler explained that the new rule aims to reduce injury-related stoppages by mandating that players who receive treatment on the field must exit for a minimum of one minute unless the opposing player is penalized. This rule also includes a five-second count for throw-ins and goal kicks, speeding up the game. Ljubisavljevic did not stand up immediately after his injury, received treatment, and was forced to stay off the field, leaving his team a player short during the equalizing goal by Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Ljubisavljevic commented on the event, expressing uncertainty about the referee's decision but accepting it as final. He acknowledged the team's frustration over the loss but praised their performance and potential, emphasizing their commitment to continue improving. The defender also noted the team's readiness for their next league match scheduled for the upcoming Saturday.

This new rule's impact was evident in the match's outcome, highlighting how regulatory changes can influence game dynamics and results in Israeli football competitions.