Soccer: Brawl ends in expulsion of teams from Games

Argentina's and Russia's under-18 teams also barred from attending the 19th Maccabiah in 2013.

By ARON LEWIS
Israel soccer 224.88 (photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Israel soccer 224.88
(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
A mass brawl has resulted in both Argentina's and Russia's under-18 Maccabiah teams being expelled from this year's soccer competition. The two teams have also been barred from attending the 19th Maccabiah in 2013. Following Russia's 2-1 defeat of Argentina in the under-18 semifinals on Monday a fight ensued, involving both players and coaches from both sides. Yaron Michaeli, head of PR for the Maccabiah, was unable to give information on the exact details of the altercation, but confirmed that "after the game there was a big fight." On Tuesday morning a disciplinary hearing took place to decide the fate of the two teams. It was decided that they would both be immediately removed from the Maccabiah. The gold medal now automatically goes to Israel, and the Silver to Mexico, the two competitors in the second semifinal. Additionally the players and coaches from the two squads have been banned from competing in the 19th Maccabiah due to be held in 2013. The Jerusalem Post was unable to contact either the Argentinean or Russian delegations for their reaction.