"Outrageous and illogical": Shino Zuaretz responds to Toto Cup incident

A day after the serious violent incident at the HaMoshava Stadium in Petah Tikva, where a Hapoel Petah Tikva fan was attacked by a security guard on the pitch and hospitalized, Israel Football Association chairman Shino Zuaretz responded sharply to the event. The incident, in which those tasked with maintaining order physically harmed a fan, sparked great anger in the football system and led to calls for a root-and-branch treatment of the security issue.

Zuaretz commented sharply:

"The fact that a football fan was hospitalized after being attacked on the pitch by someone who is supposed to maintain order is outrageous and illogical. I acted together with the chairman of the League in front of the relevant authorities in the Israel Police, who understand well that a comprehensive reform is required in the world of security at sports events, both in terms of manpower and certainly in everything related to the treatment of fans."

In his remarks, the chairman of the Association revealed that the issue has already been transferred to the government level: "I discussed this exceptional case today also with the Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar at the inauguration of the National Teams House in Zevulun, and I have no doubt that we will all work together for a fundamental change in the matter."

Alongside the appeal to law enforcement and security agencies, Zuaretz conveyed a direct message and wished a full recovery to the injured fan: "After he recovers, I will be happy to meet with the Hapoel Petah Tikva fan to ensure him that such a case will never happen again."