Tomer Steinhauer, a former player of the Israeli national team, Maccabi Haifa, Hapoel and Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Holon. He is considered one of the best domestic players in the history of Israeli basketball, and during his career he won the state cup.
For years he was considered the leading chin of the team with which he participated in four European Championships.
After his retirement, he coached in several teams, and his last position was assistant coach at Maccabi Haifa in 2016/17.
He recently participated in the new documentary series on yes, "The Boxing: The Final Series", which presents the history of the rivalry between Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv through the mythological final series of 1992. From the judges' eyes.
Earlier this week we interviewed Mercer, who told things from his point of view, and now comes Steinhauer's response interview.
What is your memory of those days?
"At that time with the series it was almost impossible to face Maccabi, and for the first time in that period, after decades, a team came and said 'we are no less good and we want to compete for the championship and look Maccabi at eye level'.
"When young people like Amsalem and Steinhauer come against Vargas and Mercer and do not fall for them, it was a very poignant statement at the time, that we do not cringe and cry but come to take a degree. On the other hand in the end Maccabism won, It's over, too. "
What do you remember from the punch you grabbed and the seconds after?
"It hurts me so far," Steinhauer smiles.
"In one thing Mercer is right, it was not a punch but a kind of slap. It stunned me and the team and threw us off balance. In that they succeeded. I have not lived it until now, it has not affected beyond the specific situation. More affected that once again the judge ignored And went in favor of Maccabi. "
The referees were afraid of Maccabi?
"Yes, they were afraid of Maccabi. Bringing Maccabi to the fifth game in the final series in those days was a rare and dramatic event in Israeli sports and it could have had an effect."
In a conversation with me Mercer completely denied that you told him anything racist. So what did you tell him?
"Listen, so many years have passed. From what I remember I told him something like 'retire already, you're too old,' normal trash talk. Let's say I could drive players crazy in speech, but never beyond sporty. No swearing and by no means racist There was a physical series, a lot of scratches, pinches, elbows and hard fights and it was reflected in that moment.
"I do not believe that because I told him 'retire, you are too old' he was hit. It's something of the pressure of the series. He was not violent, we were friendly and played on the team, but the pressure overcame him and he lost control. I looked at him a few seconds later and he too "Unfortunately, the judge did not respond."
Like Mercer, you also moved to play for Maccabi, although after a year's break at Hapoel Holon.
"I had a hard time debating. That summer Hapoel was not in the picture and there were serious financial problems. I always said that for me to play for Hapoel all my career as long as possible, but also Shimon Amsalem, who is more identified, had to leave (moved to Hapoel Eilat, YM).
If Ralph was not a coach at Maccabi, I would not go there.
We were connected, my transition was only because of him. "
It is said that Hapoel's current team is the best since the establishment of the fan group, maybe it will close a circle for you and win the championship.
"This team needs to make up for its loss in the cup final. Hapoel has proven that it has talent and the ability to go far. Only the players will stay healthy. There have been many disappointments in recent years, this year something seems to have connected."
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us