Fled the stadium: Security guard suspected of beating a fan with an iron rod arrested

The police spokesperson announced on Thursday that Central District officers arrested a security guard suspected of involvement in a violent brawl that occurred on Wednesday during the football match between Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya at HaMoshava Stadium. The serious incident took place during the halftime break of the match, held as part of the Toto Cup, when a severe fight broke out in the Hapoel Petah Tikva fan section between several fans and civilian security guards deployed along the stadium pitch.

After the security manager's attempts to control the situation failed, officers from the Petah Tikva station intervened immediately in accordance with the Law on Prohibition of Violence in Sports. The officers acted to restore public order and detain those involved; one person sustained light injuries in the brawl and was evacuated for medical treatment. The police commander present at the stadium took over responsibility for managing the incident, ordered the deployment of reinforced forces, and restored order to the field.

As part of the investigation, one security guard was detained for questioning at the Petah Tikva station on Wednesday and was released upon its conclusion. At the same time, investigators continued efforts to locate another security guard who, according to the suspicion, fled the scene after beating fans with a rod. The suspect, a resident of Abu Ghosh in his 20s, was located and arrested on Thursday morning. The suspect was brought to court, which granted the police's request and extended his detention until Sunday, August 9.