Detention of security guard suspected of hitting fan with a crowbar extended by 4 days

The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court extended by four days the detention of a 27-year-old security guard from Abu Ghosh, suspected of hitting a fan with a crowbar during a brawl that broke out at halftime of the Toto Cup match between Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya. The guard, arrested this morning at his home, initially denied using the crowbar but said 'I defended myself.' Judge Amit Freiz ruled that his flight from the scene establishes a danger.

The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court today (Thursday) extended by four days the detention of a 27-year-old security guard from Abu Ghosh, suspected of hitting a fan with a crowbar during a brawl that broke out last night at halftime of the Toto Cup match between Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya. According to the suspicion, during the confrontation between Hapoel Petah Tikva fans and the civilian security guards stationed along the pitch, the guard struck one of the fans on the head with a crowbar, causing serious injury. He then left the stadium, did not respond to attempts to contact him, and even avoided his supervisor's calls. This morning he was located at his home and arrested by Petah Tikva station investigators. In the hearing, a police representative said the suspect is identified in videos collected during the investigation as the one who carried out the assault. In his interrogation, he linked himself to the incident, denied using the crowbar, but later told investigators: "I defended myself." The guard claimed he came to separate after fans attacked another usher, and that a mass brawl developed in which he was also attacked. His lawyer argued in court that this is selective enforcement, adding that the footage shows her client also suffered injuries to his back and face. Judge Amit Freiz extended his detention until August 9, noting there is difficulty establishing grounds for obstruction of investigation, but ruled that his flight from the scene establishes a danger. The brawl occurred during halftime, while players and refereeing staff were in the dressing rooms. After the sports event manager failed to control the situation, police took command, restored order, and the match resumed. One person was lightly injured and taken for medical treatment. The investigation continues.