(foto: Getty Images)
Violent clashes erupted during a top-tier Israeli football match after Arab fans from Bnei Sakhnin disrespected the Israeli national anthem, leading to attacks by Hapoel Beer Sheva supporters.
Chaotic scenes unfolded in the Israeli Premier League after a violent altercation between supporters of Hapoel Beer Sheva and Bnei Sakhnin. The visiting fans from Bnei Sakhnin, an entirely Arab community in Israel, chose not to honor the Israeli national anthem, sparking a violent response from the home supporters.
During the anthem, Bnei Sakhnin fans remained seated and turned their backs, which prompted Hapoel Beer Sheva fans to storm the pitch and physically attack the visitors. The clashes resulted in 12 arrests among Hapoel Beer Sheva supporters and several injuries to the Bnei Sakhnin fans, who were reportedly beaten with clubs.
Following the incident, Muhammad Abu Younes, the president of Bnei Sakhnin, instructed his team to leave the pitch and retreat to the locker room. The match was subsequently abandoned, and Hapoel Beer Sheva's officials are now demanding that the game be registered as a home victory, arguing that the visitors withdrew after their fans were assaulted.
Both teams had started the season with victories in the first round, but this second-round match was suspended before it could truly begin. The final decision on the outcome will be made by the Disciplinary Committee of the Israel Football Association.