The president of the Supreme Court of the Israel Football Association, retired judge Amnon Strashnov, issued an emotional call on Tuesday evening to stop the campaign of violence by Beitar Jerusalem fans following the punishment imposed on them by the Football Court.
Beitar Jerusalem supporters demonstrate near Nir Reshef's home | Photo: Oren Daniel
"I would like to strongly condemn the campaign of ranting and slander against the judges of the disciplinary court next to the Football Association, following their ruling in the Beitar Jerusalem case. The violent and unacceptable verbal attacks against the judges, including threats of harm to life, deserve all condemnation. It contributes nothing to the sporting atmosphere on and off the football field, crossing a bright red line in fan violence, for the umpteenth time.
"Moreover, such bullying and despicable behavior has no effect, neither on the judges in the disciplinary court nor on the judges in the Supreme Court. Their attempt to intimidate the law enforcement system in the Football Association, which is trying with its remaining strength to preserve a chance for fair and civilized sports, will not succeed and is doomed to complete failure.
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"The intervention of public figures and politicians must also be strongly rejected, with unnecessary attacks on the decisions of the disciplinary courts and an attempt to influence the ruling of the Supreme Court. These public figures would do well to cease their unacceptable and improper interference in the legal proceedings pending before the Association's judicial institutions, and contribute to calming the situation and lowering the flames. Let all these people rest assured that the courts will continue to act in accordance with the provisions of the law, the regulations of the Football Association and their conscience, fearlessly and impartially."
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