Bnei Sakhnin Players Targeted in Planned Attack After Maccabi Netanya Match

Following a 0-0 draw between Maccabi Netanya and Bnei Sakhnin, players from the visiting team were shocked by a violent incident outside the Netanya stadium. The car of Bnei Sakhnin player Ilai Hajaj was attacked by Maccabi Netanya fans. Hajaj's wife, who is pregnant, was in the vehicle but thankfully was unharmed. The club confirmed she and the unborn child are in good health despite the traumatic event.

A club source described the attack as deliberate, warning that if the roles were reversed, the entire country would be outraged. The source emphasized the urgent need to end such violence, noting previous attacks on players and fans, including incidents involving Hapoel Jerusalem supporters and confrontations inside the stadium with Be'er Sheva fans two seasons ago. The club called on authorities to thoroughly investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable to prevent further harm.

Bnei Sakhnin also reported that the car of player Iyad Abu Abid was attacked during the same incident, and a vehicle carrying club supporters, including a medical student, was targeted as well. Abu Abid was asked to stop by police and is scheduled to provide testimony regarding the event.

On the sporting side, the team had mixed feelings about the match result. While they welcomed the valuable point earned in a tough away game, they criticized their overall performance. The club is still working on strengthening its roster, aiming to sign three more players. Goalkeeper Raoul Balbrau received praise for his excellent performance, which was key to securing the clean sheet.