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BEERSHEBA, Israel – A Premier League clash between Hapoel Beersheba and Bnei Sakhnin descended into chaos at Turner Stadium on Sunday night, leading to a canceled match and the arrest of 12 fans.
The incident occurred just before the scheduled kickoff, igniting a violent confrontation that involved fans from both teams and resulted in police intervention.
The tension between the two clubs, often marked by political undertones given the mixed Jewish and Arab fan bases, took a new turn when Bnei Sakhnin supporters sparked controversy during the Israeli national anthem.
As the anthem played across the stadium, many visiting Sakhnin fans turned their backs to the field and sat down in protest. The gesture, perceived as disrespectful, provoked an immediate and aggressive reaction from a group of Hapoel Beersheba fans.
Chaos Erupts as Fans Storm the Pitch
The situation quickly escalated when dozens of Hapoel Beersheba supporters stormed the pitch, confronting and attacking some of the Bnei Sakhnin fans with sticks.
Video footage from the stadium showed security personnel struggling to regain control of the situation as fans from both sides clashed on the field.
The pitch, which moments earlier had been prepared for the highly anticipated second-round match, became the site of a riot that saw players and officials seeking safety.
Police forces at the stadium were dispatched to break up the violent brawl. Despite their efforts, the melee persisted for several minutes before order was restored.
As the chaos unfolded, the match was suspended, with officials and team management retreating to the locker rooms to assess the situation.
In the aftermath, police arrested 12 fans involved in the riot, most of whom were reportedly Hapoel Beersheba supporters. Authorities later confirmed that the arrested individuals were being held for questioning on charges of public disorder and assault.
Bnei Sakhnin Refuses to Return to the Field
Following the police intervention, Bnei Sakhnin Chairman Muhammad Abu Younes made the decision to pull his team off the field and into the locker rooms.
The dramatic move left match officials and Hapoel Beersheba’s management in limbo, as the referees and league administrators scrambled to determine whether the game could continue.
Despite assurances from police that the stadium had been secured and that it was safe for the match to proceed, Sakhnin’s players refused to return to the pitch.
Citing concerns for their safety and the trauma of the incident, the club’s management issued a statement around 8:30 p.m., declaring that they would not resume the match.
“We are prepared to face the consequences of not appearing for the match,” the club said, emphasizing that the players were unwilling to risk further violence.
The refusal effectively sealed the fate of the match. At 9:01 p.m., more than an hour after the original kickoff time, the Israeli Premier League administration announced that the game would not be played that evening.
The league also confirmed that the incident would be reviewed by a disciplinary committee, which will determine potential sanctions for both clubs.
Official Statements and Reactions
In a post-match statement, the league administration explained the sequence of events that led to the match cancellation.
“After Hapoel Beersheba fans stormed the pitch and the Sakhnin players went to the locker rooms, the police commander at the stadium informed the Sakhnin players that there were no obstacles to holding the match, and police forces were deployed to ensure the game’s proper conduct. Despite this, some Sakhnin players refused to return to the field,” the league stated.
“The match will not take place today, and the matter will be referred to the disciplinary committee for resolution.”
Hapoel Beersheba also issued a statement following the league’s decision, urging their supporters to comply with police instructions and acknowledging the disappointing outcome.
“The match will not be resumed due to Bnei Sakhnin’s refusal to return to the field. We ask our fans to follow the police instructions,” the club said.
Referee Ohad Asulin, who had been overseeing the preparations for the match, provided further insight into the situation during a post-game interview. “We are waiting for Bnei Sakhnin’s decision after the incident they experienced,” Asulin explained.
“They are in their [locker] room discussing whether they can continue the match in a sportsmanlike manner. According to the security chief, he has provided a protective cover for the event, and Sakhnin was informed of this.”
“From his perspective, the match can proceed. Understandably, Sakhnin is agitated; they will make their decision. There are agitated players there. The consequences? I don’t decide; I will submit a report on the events that occurred.”
Broader Implications for Israeli Football
The riot at Turner Stadium highlights the ongoing tension between rival clubs in the Israeli Premier League, particularly in matches involving Bnei Sakhnin.
The team, which is based in a predominantly Arab town in northern Israel, has often found itself at the center of politically charged games.
Sunday’s events, triggered by the national anthem protest, underscore the deep-rooted issues that can surface in the heat of competition.
The Israeli Premier League has faced similar incidents in the past, where fan behavior crossed the line from passionate support to violence.
The league’s disciplinary committee now faces the task of addressing the events at Turner Stadium, determining appropriate penalties, and ensuring that future matches are conducted in a safe and respectful environment.
A Disappointing End to a Promising Matchup
Both Hapoel Beersheba and Bnei Sakhnin entered the second round of the league with victories in their opening matches. Beersheba had defeated Ironi Kiryat Shmona 1-0, while Sakhnin celebrated a 2-0 win over Maccabi Petah Tikva.
The clash between the two teams was expected to be a competitive and thrilling match, with fans eagerly awaiting the result.
However, the riot and subsequent cancellation cast a shadow over the competition, leaving both sets of supporters and the broader football community disappointed.
The league will now have to navigate the aftermath, as both teams prepare for potential disciplinary action and the rescheduling of the match.
As Israeli football continues to grapple with the challenges of maintaining order and sportsmanship in a high-stakes environment, the events at Turner Stadium serve as a stark reminder of the fine line between rivalry and respect.