"Unworthy of a professional club": Hapoel Petah Tikva attacks Maccabi Netanya

Hapoel Petah Tikva rejected Maccabi Netanya's demand for a technical forfeit after fielding 12 players in last Saturday's match. The club claims their staff alerted the referees about the extra player before the penalty kick, and that attempting to gain points through the disciplinary court is unworthy of a professional club.

Hapoel Petah Tikva responded today (Wednesday) to the indictment filed against them for illegally fielding a player in the match against Maccabi Netanya last Saturday, after playing for several minutes with 12 players. The club rejected Netanya's demand for a technical forfeit, arguing it is an attempt to gain points through the court rather than on the pitch. The club's statement said the indictment was received, and Hapoel Petah Tikva will present its full response to the disciplinary court regarding the charges and its arguments about the circumstances. The team emphasized that contrary to Maccabi Netanya's position, a technical forfeit is not an automatic punishment in cases of illegal player participation. According to the club, there are precedents in Israel and worldwide supporting their stance, which will be presented during the hearing. The club also addressed the circumstances, claiming that Hapoel Petah Tikva's staff were the ones who alerted the referees that there were 12 players on the field, even before the penalty kick was taken. Later in the statement, Petah Tikva sharpened its tone toward the rival: "Maccabi Netanya's attempt to turn this event into a path to gain points in the disciplinary court does not surprise us, but it is unworthy of a professional club in the Premier League. Those who demand sportsmanship from others should demonstrate it themselves and present all the facts, even when they do not serve their demands." The club concluded its statement with a sharp message to Maccabi Netanya: "Points should be earned on the pitch. Inflated complaints and demands for a technical forfeit are no substitute for a sporting decision on the field."