Maccabi Tel Aviv FC filed a civil suit this morning against two “fans” in the amount of 100,000 NIS each after they were caught using pyrotechnics during the Toto Cup Derby. The pyrotechnics caused a delay in the game due to the smoke that went through the stadium. The two were caught and ejected by the police as part of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s efforts to eradicate violence among the fans and were sued for the damages caused to both the Club and the League, who also joined the lawsuit.
Maccabi Tel Aviv FC has made it clear that the Club will continue to operate on all levels to ensure that fan disturbances and those who damage the Club will be banned from the stadiums and will be sued for those damages that they cause.
As part of the lawsuit, the League conducted a survey via “Gal HaDash” and a series of serious and worrying findings were raised from acts of violence in the football stadiums similar to the offenses committed by those being sued, as follows: “Violence is the main cause and reason why fans will not come to watch football at the stadiums. The survey respondents indicated that violence is the most important, central and principal issue that needs to be addressed. Roughly half of the parents who go to watch football at the stadiums said that they will not take their children due to the violence at the facilities.”
The League CEO, Oren Hasson said: “The violent behavior and disorderly conduct at the stadiums can cause personal injury and we see this as a severe issue that needs to be dealt with. We will not just stand idly by, but we will assist the Clubs in removing and banning those who are damaging everyone’s football experience, as point reduction and punishments hurts the club’s fans and the League’s image.”
