JERUSALEM, Jun 2 (NNN-MA’AN) – Israeli national football team player, Dolev Haziza, was suspended from the squad because of his improper behaviour, the Israel Football Association (IFA) said.
On Sunday night, after Haziza’s team, Maccabi Haifa beat Hapoel Beer Sheva and won the trophy of the Israeli Premier League, the 26-year-old midfielder celebrated with fans outside the stadium and sang with them songs with anti-Tel Aviv sentiment. One of the songs included the words “German neo-Nazis” against the runners-up.
Following this, IFA chairman, Oren Hason, and the national team’s Austrian head coach, Willi Ruttensteiner, decided to suspend Haziza from Israel’s squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Montenegro and Portugal, on June 5 and June 9.
The IFA also filed an indictment against the player in court for misconduct, and be suspended from some Haifa matches too.
“Belonging to the national team’s dressing room requires a code of conduct that must not be compromised. Every player and staff member, who aspires to be on our national teams must set an example and be a role model at all times,” Hasson said.
“I talked to Dolev, explained to him the seriousness of the matter and the decision, and he took full responsibility for his behaviour,” Ruttensteiner added.
“I apologise, these words should not have been said, and I hope that Maccabi Haifa fans, will give up on this unnecessary song line. It is not a simple punishment, but I understand the decision,” Haziza said.– NNN-MA’AN
