Maccabi CEO Martin Bain this evening reacted to the IFA Disciplinary Court's decision to issue what he described as “worrying sanctions" on the club in relation to events at last week's Tel Aviv derby
“There is no doubt as to the root cause of the recent match abandonment at Bloomfield – a hooligan attacking a
player on the field of play, inciting violence and jeopardizing the safety of others.
What the IFA Court has chosen to ignore by imposing severe and “worrying sanctions“ is the significant time and financial investment this club in particular has made in recent years to stamp out intolerable behaviour in order to provide an appropriate environment for fans to enjoy football.
Upon hearing the result I spoke with the club’s owner Mitch Goldhar who was dismayed at the penalty handed down to the club. He told me that he genuinely believes that from the very outset of his time at Maccabi he has been committed in earnest to building high standards at Maccabi Tel Aviv and recent announcements by the IFA Court, and I quote, "have left me concerned".
The IFA Court sanction is a very strong signal that they may not fully appreciate the issues that clubs are dealing with by handing out punitive measures which are financially imposing but also damaging to the development of all aspects of the business. Maybe the IFA Court in its decision should be assisting the clubs with an urgent and much needed initiative to engage with government, police and various authorities to help unite the clubs and the wider football community.
The punishment of Eran Zahavi, and subsequent commentary relating to the incident, is also concerning. This perplexing IFA Court decision genuinely leaves one to wonder if our interests are aligned.
The Club will appeal the decision of the tribunal."
