Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Attack Hapoel Jerusalem Supporters with Pepper Spray After Match in Rehovot

Following a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem held in Rehovot, violent incidents erupted outside the stadium involving Maccabi fans attacking Hapoel supporters. According to a Hapoel fan who was in a targeted vehicle, about 20 assailants sprayed pepper spray at them, smashed their car window, and stole their bags. Subsequently, another group of around 20 masked individuals assaulted fans with clubs and threw stones, causing injuries that required ambulance evacuation. The entire episode lasted approximately ten minutes. The police arrived 15 minutes after the incident but reportedly left without taking any statements.

Erez Calfon, chairman of the Football Leagues Administration, condemned the violence and stated he had already contacted the police demanding action against the perpetrators. He expressed hope that the prosecution would file severe charges leading to harsh penalties and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The Israeli Football Fans Association also condemned the violence, emphasizing zero tolerance and calling on authorities to take full responsibility for public safety and improve their response.

Hapoel Jerusalem publicly demanded that the police act decisively against the rioters, sharing evidence identifying some attackers and urging Maccabi Tel Aviv to distance such individuals from their fan base. They stressed that without such measures, the value of football itself is undermined. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fan violence in Israeli football and the need for stronger enforcement and preventive measures.