Israeli president to belatedly present State Cup Trophy after soccer fans rushed field
President Isaac Herzog will present the trophy to the soccer State Cup winner Beitar Jerusalem on Wednesday at his official residence in Israel’s capital.
The trophy awaiting the winner in the final of the State football Cup at Teddy stadium in Jerusalem, between Hapoel Haifa and Beitar Jerusalem. Jerusalem, May 9, 2018. Photo by TPS
Thousands of soccer club supporters rushed the field at Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa as the trophy ceremony was about to take place following Beitar Jerusalem’s 3-0 defeat of Maccabi Netanya in the championship match. Herzog had to be evacuated by his security as a chaotic scene unfolded on the grass.
Police said 18 arrests were made.
There were concerns by Beitar Jerusalem and its fans that the team would be stripped of its title over the incident. But Football Association chairman Shino Zoertz said his legal adviser determined that the cup could be awarded. Team owner Barak Abramov threatened to walk away from Israeli soccer if the title was withheld.
“The fans were a great source of pride for us during the game and the ceremony took so long to even begin, over 45 minutes,” Abramov said. “The security couldn’t control the situation and this was not under our control but that of the Israel Football Association. What happened was an embarrassment and a disgrace, but this cup is ours, no one else’s. If they take the cup away from us I am done with Israeli football.”
In a statement, Herzog said that fans “blew up the joyous occasion so that the trophy could not be awarded.”
Herzog also insisted that the ceremony be an educational event with a clear message condemning violence in sports. This was a condition of hosting the event at the President’s Residence.
When Beitar wins a title, celebrations traditionally take place at Sacher Park, Jerusalem’s largest. The team and supporters will still gather at the park, but only after the trophy ceremony at the President’s Residence.
The post-game rioting overshadowed a dominating performance by Beitar Jerusalem that brought Israel’s capital its first State Cup in 14 years and its eighth overall.
TPS
