Football Officials Demand Police Action on Field Invasions
Israeli football officials Shino Zuarz and Erez Kalfon have demanded increased police action against fans who invade football fields, following a recent mass brawl. They sent a joint letter to Police Inspector General Dany Levi, calling for investigations, identification of perpetrators, and stricter enforcement, including administrative fines. The officials highlighted that field invasions are criminal offenses and that existing laws are not being adequately utilized to deter such behavior, which endangers fans and disrupts matches.
הידיעה ב-5 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Football officials demanded police action against fans invading the pitch after a mass brawl.
- A joint letter was sent to the Police Inspector General calling for investigations and prosecution.
- Field invasions are described as criminal offenses under the Law Against Violence in Sport.
- Officials criticized the lack of enforcement of administrative fines for pitch invaders.
- The letter stressed the need for effective police action to ensure fan safety.
Following a mass brawl between fans of Hapoel Petah Tikva and Beitar Jerusalem before a Sunday match, the heads of Israeli football have called for increased police enforcement against fans who invade the pitch. Shino Zuarz, Chairman of the Football Association, and Erez Kalfon, Chairman of the Leagues Directorate, sent a joint letter to Police Inspector General Dany Levi demanding an investigation into the incident, identification of those involved, and prosecution.
The officials stated that the fight broke out minutes before kickoff while players were warming up, in front of thousands of spectators, including families. They emphasized that serious injuries were avoided only by chance and that this is a recurring problem this season, partly due to the normalization of field invasions.
In their letter, Zuarz and Kalfon argued that entering the playing field is a criminal offense under the 2008 Law Against Violence in Sport, and should not be treated lightly or normalized. They criticized the practice of merely escorting invading fans back to the stands, especially when violent incidents occur.
The football leaders also pointed out that a 2022 amendment to the law allows police to issue administrative fines of 3,000 shekels for entering the playing area, a tool intended for immediate and deterrent enforcement. However, they noted that this tool is not being utilized, rendering legislative changes ineffective if not enforced.
They urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation using stadium cameras and available footage to identify all individuals who entered the field or participated in the brawl. They requested that these individuals face legal consequences, including administrative fines and bans from football stadiums.
Finally, Zuarz and Kalfon addressed the clubs' responsibility, stating that punishing clubs is insufficient when they lack the authority to prevent invasions or prosecute offenders, and that effective police enforcement is crucial. They concluded that millions of fans wish to attend matches with their children safely, and this requires an end to overlooking field invasions.
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