14-Year-Old Hapoel Haifa Fan Hospitalized After Brutal Assault
A 14-year-old Hapoel Haifa fan was brutally attacked with iron bars by a group of rival supporters. The victim’s family and Hapoel Haifa club are demanding police action following the violent incident in Kiryat Bialik.
A 14-year-old boy from Kiryat Bialik remains hospitalized in serious physical and emotional distress following a violent assault by rival soccer fans. The victim, a supporter of Hapoel Haifa, was reportedly ambushed by a group of approximately 15 teenagers identified as Maccabi Haifa supporters.
The attack, which occurred between Thursday night and Friday morning, involved the use of iron bars and electric shockers. According to the victim's family, the assailants forced the boy to his knees and demanded he recite derogatory statements against Hapoel Haifa. During the assault, the attackers reportedly filmed the boy and partially stripped him while preventing his friends from intervening.
The teenager was evacuated to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa with injuries to his head and elbow. Beyond the physical trauma, his mother describes a devastating psychological toll.
"My son is broken mentally and physically," she told Sport 5. "He wakes up at night with nightmares and is suffering from suicidal thoughts. These were 17- and 18-year-old members of the 'Green Apes' [Maccabi Haifa ultras] who fell upon a 14-year-old boy."
The family revealed that this was the third time the boy had been targeted. Previous incidents included the theft and destruction of his phone and an instance where he was followed home from work and sustained a head injury. The mother noted that police complaints were filed in the past, but the cases were closed.
Hapoel Haifa released a statement condemning the "shocking event," noting that this is not the first time their fans have been targeted for their affiliation. The club confirmed that players and representatives plan to visit the boy in the hospital tomorrow. They also stated that they are working with the Mayor of Kiryat Bialik to assist the family in ensuring the police investigation proceeds with the necessary materials.
According to the family, at least one of the suspected attackers has a history of violence and had previously been banned from matches by Maccabi Haifa.
The Israel Police have received a formal complaint regarding the latest assault. The family and the club have called for a rigorous investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
Channel 12 contributed to this article.