Israeli Professional soccer Leagues chairman Erez Kalfon condemned Saturday night’s violent incident outside Bloomfield Stadium, where stones were thrown at a bus carrying Bnei Sakhnin fans following their match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The bus was damaged, but no one was seriously injured. Police have launched an investigation and are searching for those responsible.
League chairman calls for zero tolerance
“I strongly condemn last night’s serious incident in which stones were thrown at a bus carrying Bnei Sakhnin fans outside Bloomfield Stadium,” Kalfon said. “This is another dangerous crossing of the red line. This violence does not represent Israeli soccer or the values of sport.
“Anyone who resorts to violence and hooliganism belongs behind bars, not in the soccer stands. soccer should be a safe and unifying place, not a scene of violence that puts human lives at risk.
“I have spoken with the police, and I call on law enforcement authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach, apprehend those responsible as soon as possible and ensure they face the full force of the law. The league management will continue to fight violence using every means at its disposal, in full cooperation with the Israel Police and the clubs.”
Club demands increased security measures
Bnei Sakhnin’s management sent a letter to the Israel Police commissioner demanding appropriate security measures to protect the club’s players and fans during away matches, including while traveling to and from games. The letter noted that the bus carrying the fans had been attacked on its return journey from Bloomfield Stadium and stated, among other things: “The attack on the bus carrying Bnei Sakhnin fans as they returned from last night’s match at Bloomfield Stadium serves as a serious warning sign of an unacceptable and dangerous phenomenon involving deliberate attacks on the club’s fans who support their team in a respectful and sporting manner.”
The club’s management contacted the bus driver to express its appreciation for his efforts and offer its support following the difficult incident. It also reached out to a fan who sustained a hand injury from glass shards, wishing him a speedy and full recovery.
Bnei Sakhnin said in a statement: “The club views any act of violence against players or fans with the utmost seriousness and calls on law enforcement authorities to take decisive measures to prevent such incidents from recurring, identify those responsible and ensure they face justice. Bnei Sakhnin and its fans will continue to uphold the values of sport, mutual respect and the club’s social mission, which has guided its path over the years.
“We will not allow violence to divert us from our path, and we will continue working toward a sporting culture based on tolerance and mutual respect among fans of all teams.”