Ofer Yannai attacks the derby referee, Basketball Association: 'Borders on incitement'

Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yannai harshly criticized referee Seffi Shimon after his team's loss to Maccabi in the Winner Cup final. The Basketball Association condemned the remarks as 'bordering on incitement' and announced it would take legal action. Yannai clarified that coach Itoudis is an 'asset' and addressed the future of Kattash and Madar.

Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yannai launched a scathing attack on basketball referee Seffi Shimon after Hapoel lost 86:75 to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup final, having led by 23 points. In an interview with Sport Channel, Yannai said that Shimon, 58, 'barely moves, barely sees' and should make way for younger referees. The Basketball Association condemned the remarks, stating they 'border on incitement,' and announced it would take all legal measures. Yannai clarified that coach Dimitris Itoudis is an 'asset' of the club, and also addressed the status of Oded Kattash and Yam Madar at Maccabi Tel Aviv.