Bnei Sakhnin Appeals to Israel Football Association After Player Attacks in Violent Match End

Following violent incidents at the end of the match against Maccabi Netanya at the "Miriam" stadium, Bnei Sakhnin chairman Khaled Dooki sent a sharp letter to Israel Football Association chairman Moshe (Shino) Zoaretz and league officials. Dooki detailed how players Iyad Abu Abid and Ilai Hajaj were attacked in their vehicles, emphasizing that the violence crossed a non-sporting line. He stressed the need to identify, prosecute, and ban the perpetrators from football venues, noting that Hajaj was attacked while his pregnant wife was beside him.

Bnei Sakhnin demanded direct, coordinated cooperation with the Israeli police and the appointment of a dedicated professional to handle security. The club also called for immediate preservation of all security footage and event logs from the stadium, fearing recordings might be deleted. They highlighted the importance of individual accountability, arguing that fines or stadium bans target the club collectively, but as long as the attackers remain unknown and unpunished, future incidents are inevitable.

Beyond addressing this specific event, the club urged a conceptual shift in managing sensitive away games. They proposed mandatory measures including separate, secure parking for visiting players and staff, full separation of exit routes from home fans, and controlled delays in clearing home spectators until away fans are safely evacuated. While not blaming the entire Maccabi Netanya fanbase, Sakhnin stressed the need for thorough work to prevent disasters.

In response, Zoaretz condemned the criminal acts, confirming he spoke with the attacked players to offer support. He noted this incident followed another violent attack by Hapoel Jerusalem fans after a match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Zoaretz welcomed the willingness of Netanya and Maccabi Tel Aviv to act against the offenders and pledged full cooperation with the league and police. He acknowledged the worrying proximity of these events and the necessity for renewed strategic preparation. Zoaretz praised Sakhnin’s concrete proposals and committed to ensuring players and fans feel safe at matches.