Rocket hits Hapoel Ashkelon stadium just before training

The players and coaching staff were in a protected room when the rocket exploded.

By ALLON SINAI
kassam remnants 248.88 (photo credit: AP)
kassam remnants 248.88
(photo credit: AP)
A Grad rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit the stadium of soccer team Hapoel Ashkelon on Monday, just minutes before the start of a training session. The players and coaching staff were in a protected room when the rocket exploded and training was immediately cancelled. "The rocket hit the penalty box and it was a very scary experience," coach Shiye Feigenbaum said. "There could have been a disaster had the players or the youth departments been on the field at the time." Following Monday's intensified rocket fire, Ashkelon decided to accept the Israel Football Association's invitation and will train at National Stadium in Ramat Gan on Tuesday. The club has also asked to postpone Saturday's league match against Ness Tziona, and will likely get its wish. Ashkelon's basketball team was set to renew training on Monday, following a short winter break, but decided to cancel the session and will probably train out of town for the time being. The team's top American player, Steve Burtt, arrived in Israel a day late on Monday and admitted the current security situation is concerning. "I think everybody knows why I came back a day late," Burtt said upon his arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport. "It was on the news in the US and my family was really nervous and I just wanted to speak to the team first. "I had no doubt in the team's ability to keep us safe, but I just had to speak to them first and once I did that there was no problem."