Hapoel Jerusalem Fans Assaulted with Stones and Batons After Match Against Maccabi Tel Aviv

A violent incident occurred on the evening of August 22, 2026, following a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem in Rehovot. A group of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters ambushed Hapoel Jerusalem fans as they were leaving the stadium, attacking them with stones, batons, and tear gas. The assault caused significant damage to vehicles and personal belongings, and several fans required medical treatment. One fan was seriously injured by a stone to the head and was transferred overnight from Kaplan Hospital to the specialized head injury department at Beilinson Hospital.

Hapoel Jerusalem described the attack as a "real lynching" and called on law enforcement and the rival club to take firm action to permanently ban the perpetrators. In response, the Israeli police launched an urgent investigation and arrested two suspects from the Maccabi Tel Aviv fan base early the next morning. Authorities are reviewing video footage and witness statements to identify additional participants.

Erez Calfon, chairman of the Football Leagues Administration, condemned the violence and demanded zero tolerance from the police, emphasizing the need for criminal prosecution to deter future incidents. The Israel Football Fans Association also expressed regret over the event and urged all responsible parties to take full responsibility for public safety and improve security measures to prevent recurrence.