Tiberias Fans Surprise by Supporting Hapoel Afula Against M.S. Ashdod

In an unexpected development in Israeli football, fan organizations of Ironi Tiberias have announced they will support Hapoel Afula in their home match against M.S. Ashdod. The game is scheduled for Tuesday at 19:30 and will be broadcast live on 5SPORT. This move comes amid ongoing tensions between the clubs, particularly involving M.S. Ashdod's attempt to postpone their first match in the National League due to a dispute over Tiberias's promotion to the Premier League.

Earlier on Monday, M.S. Ashdod's petition to delay their opening fixture was rejected by the court, which decided not to intervene. Consequently, Ashdod is expected to play as planned. The controversy centers on a doping scandal implicating several players and the coach of Ironi Tiberias, Eliran Hodeda, who have been suspended and have not participated in Toto Cup matches so far.

The severity of the sanctions against Tiberias remains uncertain, as does whether the penalties will extend to the entire team. Ironi Tiberias is set to begin their Premier League season on Saturday, hosting Hapoel Petah Tikva under the cloud of this ongoing issue.