Bnei Sakhnin Player Attacked by Fans After Match in Netanya, Four Arrested

Bnei Sakhnin player Iyad Abu Abid recounted an attack he and his pregnant wife endured after their match against Maccabi Netanya on August 24. According to Abu Abid, dozens of local fans recognized him by his team jersey, surrounded his car, threw objects, and tried to harm both him and his wife. He described the incident as nearly catastrophic but managed to escape quickly. Abu Abid criticized the police for not intervening despite their presence at the scene and later gave testimony at a police station. He noted a rise in racism and attacks against Bnei Sakhnin players and fans in recent years but affirmed that such violence would not break the team’s spirit or commitment.

The police announced the arrest of four suspects, two minors and two adults, on suspicion of attacking players and fans and damaging vehicle windows. The minors were questioned and banned from attending football matches, while the adults were brought to court for detention extension. Bnei Sakhnin reported that the car of player Ilai Hajaj and vehicles carrying fans were also attacked. The club condemned the incidents as serious and dangerous, potentially causing severe harm. Maccabi Netanya publicly denounced the violence, stating it was beyond acceptable norms and did not represent their loyal fan base.