Arab, Jewish fans clash during soccer match
(VIDEO) Some 20 people injured in riots between Betar Jerusalem, Bnei Sakhnin fans Sunday evening following soccer match that ended in 0:0 draw
(VIDEO) A football match between Bnei Sakhnin and Betar Jerusalem, which ended in a 0-0 draw Sunday evening, deteriorated into a riot as fans of both teams clashed violently.
Riots following soccer match (Footage: Yoad Cohen)
As the referee blew the final whistle, Shakhnin fans outside their home stadium threw stones at Betar fans, who responded by ripping off seats, destroying the goal bars and throwing stones at police and Shakhnin fans.
Twenty people were taken to hospital with light wounds, police said.
Police justified their decision to allow Sakhnin’s 4000 fans to exit the stadium first, saying the relatively small number of Betar fans, who numbered some 350, was easier to control.
The leader of the ‘Israel Our Home’ faction, Avigdor Lieberman, accused the police of failing to protect Betar fans despite the familiarity with the verbal and physical violence of the teams’ fans.
Minister: Events are dangerous
“Despite the sensitivity and the early warnings 350 policemen failed to protect 350 Betar fans. I call for the closure of the Sakhnin stadium indefinitely and to arrest and try the rioters,” Lieberman said.
Police Chief Moshe Karadi appointed Brigadier-General Aharon Ezra to investigate the police’s handling of the riots.
Internal Security Minister Gideon Ezra promised that lessons will be drawn from the investigation’s findings. He vowed to boost police presence at matches between Betar and Sakhnin should the investigation point to a scarce police presence at Sunday’s match.
Ezra described the events as “dangerous” and expressed his regrets to innocent fans who were injured in the violence. “I agree with the police chief’s decision to appoint a senior officer to investigate the circumstances leading to the riots and the police’s management of the violence.”
