Hapoel Tel Aviv to ban fans who disgraced memorial ceremony for fallen police

The team's board of directors decided to revoke the subscriptions of the handful of fans involved and will refuse them the opportunity to purchase tickets for future games. 

 Hapoel Tel Aviv fans (photo credit: Dani Maron)
Hapoel Tel Aviv fans
(photo credit: Dani Maron)

Hapoel Tel Aviv announced on Monday that it will exclude fans who disgraced a memorial ceremony for fallen police officers before a recent game. The disrespectful behavior, including songs, curses, and chants against the police, was condemned by the majority of Hapoel Tel Aviv fans. 

The team's board of directors decided to revoke the subscriptions of the handful of fans involved and will refuse them the opportunity to purchase tickets for future games. 

However, the team clarified that they may reconsider allowing these fans back if they personally and sincerely apologize to the victims' families.

Any future incidents of similar behavior during memorial ceremonies will result in immediate expulsion from the stadium.

Hapoel Tel Aviv fans 521 (credit: Adi Avishai)
Hapoel Tel Aviv fans 521 (credit: Adi Avishai)

Club officials: Actions do not represent views of Hapoel Tel Aviv fanbase

The club's official statement emphasized that the actions of these fans do not represent the views of the entire Hapoel Tel Aviv fanbase, which has consistently disapproved of such behavior. 

Owner Ofer Yanai, President Avi Seidenberg, and Sergeant Tomer Ginat expressed their shame and disapproval in response to the incident. Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir echoed their sentiments.

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to face a trial in the basketball association on Thursday for the "inappropriate behavior of fans." The prosecutor is seeking a substantial fine as a consequence.