The match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Haifa that ended last night (Sunday) with the victory of the Yellows after two overtimes (104:108), included moments of great drama but also a wrong refereeing decision in the final seconds, which actually decided the match.
This morning, the referees' union determined that the approval of Roman Sorkin's basket in one of the dramatic moments of the game was wrong, and in fact determined that the complaints of the members of the northern club last night on the parquet at the Menorah Mitvachim Hall were justified, because even though the blocking was not legal, the referees were wrong in applying the constitution.
A day after the stormy and dramatic game and just before they will host Karhu Basket from Finland in the Bromma hall to fight for the home title as part of the Eurocup, the club is still trying to move on and leave behind the dramatic game in the hall, but the sense of failure and disappointment from the referee's decision does not let them go.
Hapoel Haifa, yesterday in the hall.
Two overtimes and a dramatic loss, photo: Oded Karni
In a conversation with Israel Hayom, Reds captain Ofek Avital shared his feelings: "Not easy feelings, it's not pleasant to end a game with such events at the end, but we need to move on and need a victory."
From your point of view, what happened yesterday
?
"I immediately understood what happened, I knew they were going to the monitor to check the clock and the outside ball, that's what the referee told me. I asked him what was going on and he told me that he was allowed to change the check and check the decision as well. I was sure that it was wrong and in the end I was right. In the end Day and everyone is wrong, unfortunately they are wrong against us."
Do you think we will do any injustice
?
"Yes, we also said in real time that what happened there was illegal. It's a move that changed the game. I'm glad people admit their mistake and understand that they were wrong, but it's a mistake that could cost us at the end of the season."
In your opinion, because you are a relatively small group, judges don't give you enough credit
?
"There is no doubt that if we play against Maccabi, one of the European lions, the credit will go to them. I expect referees to be completely neutral, as soon as you feel that there is no neutrality like we felt yesterday it sucks. I understand that we are not Maccabi but we expect the same attitude, people make mistakes and that's fine But I hope they will learn from this. Personally, I feel there is a threat to Hapoel Haifa."
Rayman fails to stop Sorkin.
The judges were wrong, photo: Oded Karni
Do you think referees are afraid to whistle against big teams
?
"I don't know how to say. What's more, I'm sure that if the situation was the other way around and we had the advantage over Maccabi, they would never have given us a basket."
You are meeting Karho tomorrow, what do you think the balance of power is
?
"They are a great team that shoots a lot of threes, we call them Golden State because they shoot a lot from the outside and have big wins."
How do you think the last game and two overtimes will affect your preparation for this game
?
The yellows did not succumb to fatigue, photo: Oded Karni
"We will arrive a little tired but I believe in the team, we have a great team and this game depends on us."
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