Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. League Administration: "Disclaims Responsibility" - Walla! sport

Ticked: Sports Events Recap Clip, 5.6 (Sports1)

Three days before the start of the playoff final series between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv, and it is still unclear whether the first game will even take place. The Yellows did not transfer the quota of tickets to which the away team is entitled, while the Reds appealed to the union prosecutor to rule on a technical victory. The league administration also intervened and threatened to act, announcing: "All options are open on the table."

In response, Maccabi Tel Aviv issued an official response accusing: "Unfortunately, the league administration in its announcement this afternoon shows that it shirks responsibility and completely ignores the positions of the professional bodies and thus the writing that has been on the wall for a long time."

Won't they accompany their team to the drive-in? Maccabi Tel Aviv fans (Photo: Bernie Ardov)

It added: "In the previous derby match last month, dozens of flares were lit in the stands of the opposing team, endangering the fans in the arena. The flares lit the net and the separation visor and fire began to trickle down towards the occupants of the lower stands, who were forced to flee when firefighters arrived. After the game, we issued a letter to the relevant authorities with an SOS call, before disaster strikes.

"On 30.5.23, in the playoff game against Holon, the sights returned. Powders were lit that scorched the net and separation visor. The fire trickled down towards the fans who again fled the scene. In this case, the powders themselves reached all the way down and even lit the chairs. Fans felt suffocated due to smoke inhalation.

"Ahead of the derby in the playoff final, which will be held at the arena on Thursday, the professional officials responsible for the safety of the crowd on the field are warning of a disaster and are unwilling to take responsibility for the incident. The recommendations are not to bring in a guest audience.

"The company 'Insured', safety engineers and sports safety managers at the Menorah Arena, warns in an official letter: 'We have no response to the extreme violence in the stands of fans, which is expressed not only in physical violence between fans but also in the use of dangerous explosives inside the stands. We are unable to ensure public safety with the means at our disposal. (emphasis in original) ... I appeal to you to do everything necessary to prevent the clear and immediate danger expected in the upcoming games. Unfortunately, the urgency of this call cannot be overstated.'

"This letter was sent to the commander of the Tel Aviv district of the police, the director general of the Ministry of Labor, the commander of the Central District Fire and Rescue Services, with the letter being Minister of Labor Nir Barkat, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, CEO of the Sports Hall Company and the groups involved.

"The event manager, who is responsible for security and order at the game, warned himself in an official letter: K... Civilian security companies cannot stop violence and danger to human life. I, as an event manager, will not be able to take responsibility for these games... See the Safety Director's letter warning of a disaster at the entrance to the arena and I see eye to eye with the Safety Director.'

"In addition, the regional commander of the Israel Police joined the recommendation that mixing fans should not be allowed at the derby game. It should be noted that the recommendation before us is mutual. In other words, a Maccabi crowd won't come to the drive-in, and a Hapoel crowd won't come to the arena."

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• Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball
• Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball