Sakhnin Players Attacked by Maccabi Netanya Fans After Match, Raise Safety Concerns

On August 24, 2026, two players from Bnei Sakhnin, Ilai Hagag and Iyad Abu Abid, were attacked by Maccabi Netanya fans while returning home from an away match that ended in a 0-0 draw. Their vehicle was damaged during the incident, which left both players and some fans traumatized. Hagag, who was driving with his heavily pregnant wife, described the frightening experience, saying he was surrounded by about 50 attackers at a green traffic light and feared the situation could have escalated to throwing stones or stabbing. He emphasized the danger to his wife and stated she will not return to stadiums anytime soon due to the trauma.

Hagag explained his move to Sakhnin was motivated by the opportunity to play regularly under coach Yossi Abuksis after limited playing time elsewhere. He also noted that while the Sakhnin staff and Netanya police contacted him after the attack, no one from Maccabi Netanya or the league reached out. He criticized the lack of police presence near the scene and called on fans to enjoy football peacefully.

Abu Abid, who grew up in Netanya, was equally shocked by the attack, which involved fans throwing bottles at him while he was stopped at a red light. His wife, who often accompanies him to games, was also traumatized and is reconsidering attending matches. Abu Abid criticized Maccabi Netanya’s brief official statement and lamented the absence of personal outreach from the club’s management. He warned that such violent incidents could escalate to stabbings or worse in Israeli football.

Both players have been summoned to give police testimony, and the Israeli Football Association has been informed. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in Israeli football, especially regarding fan violence and inadequate protection for players.