The Israel Football Association court announced on Sunday that it accepted State Cup holder Beitar Jerusalem FC's appeal to overturn its suspension from the competition which was imposed after the team's fans violently stormed the pitch during last season's final.
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At the tail-end of last season, Beitar Jerusalem fans burst onto the pitch after their team clinched the domestic cup and stole medals intended for both teams, set fire to the goal nets and forced the evacuation of President Isaac Herzog from the stadium. Security guards and police were unable to control the crowd, and chaos ensued before the Israel Football Association turned to Beitar Jerusalem players in a request to calm their supporters.
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Beitar Jerusalem fans invade the pitch and steal medals intended for both teams, set fire to the goal nets and force the evacuation of President Isaac Herzog from the stadium
(Photo: Oz Mualem)
Initially, three points were deducted from Beitar, in addition to disqualification from the cup. The court's statement was issued with six days remaining until the Israel Super Cup, AKA Champion of Champions, match between Beitar Jerusalem and national champions Maccabi Haifa, and against the backdrop of club owner Barak Abramov's announcement that he would not attend the game on Saturday if the disqualification from the cup competition is not revoked.
The capital's leading soccer club suspension was sweetened to a four-point deduction for the upcoming league season, along with another suspended three-point penalty. The club issued a somewhat bittersweet response to the decision to revoke its suspension from the State Cup and confirmed it will participate in the Champion of Champions match against the Greens on Saturday.
The club stated that they "sadly accept the decision of the Israel Football Association court and express resentment toward the final decision. Nevertheless, as far as the club is concerned, the State Cup Final event has ended, and we now set our sights on the Super Cup."
Disagreements among panel members caused a nearly two-week delay in reaching a decision, with some members opposing Beitar's appeal and arguing that the imposed punishment was too lenient.