Shocked fans
Photo: Dudi Vaaknin
Basketball game comes to screeching halt
Flash-charge thrown during Hapoel Jerusalem, Holon match at Malcha stadium leaves security guard seriously injured. Police begin probe, question dozens, arrest four fans. Basketball Association to hold emergency session on incident
Police forces arrested four basketball fans Monday on suspicion of throwing a flash-charge during a Jerusalem basketball game between Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Holon on Sunday evening.
The two were playing at Jerusalem's Malcha stadium, when about one minute before the end of the game – with Hapoel Jerusalem leading 89:94 – a flash-charge was thrown onto the court from what appeared to be Hapoel Holon fans' gallery.
Paramedics treating injured security guard (Photo: Dudi Vaaknin)
The flash-charge injured a security guard who was standing near by. He was taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem in serious condition, with three of his fingers severed. After a nine-hour surgery, doctors were able to save his hand.
The incident brought the game to an abrupt end, as police forces present at Malcha stadium detained Hapoel Holon fans, searched them and held dozens for questioning.
Police sources said an investigation was launched into the incident and that the police intend to use footage of the game – which was televised – as means to find the culprits.
The Basketball Association of Israel (IBA) announced it would be holding an emergency session later this week to discuss the incident and its implications.
Dana Sidi and Vered Luvitch contributed to this report
