ByAnonymous, Anonymous
Thirteen fans have been arrested after Monday night's Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel and Maccabi was abandoned following a pitch invasion.
The drama unfolded soon after Eran Zahavi levelled for Maccabi, against his former club.
A bare-chested fan ran onto the pitch and attacked Zahavi who defended himself by shoving the fan and kicking out.
After the supporter had been escorted away, Zahavi was shown a red card for retaliating.
Play was halted for several minutes as Zahavi and his teammates protested.
The match was re-started but soon halted following the pitch invasion.
Hapoel boss Eyal Berkovic said: "This was not a game of football, it was war ... I'm stunned and ashamed to be involved in football on a day like today.
"Both clubs and both sets of supporters must be severely punished for what happened here."
Maccabi director of football Jordy Cruyff said, "Zahavi should have been better protected from the crowd. I hope he doesn't leave the country because of this madness."
Referee Roy Reinschreiber has been criticised for sending off Zahavi, although he has been backed by the Israel Referees Association.
But Berkovic jumped to the defence of the Maccabi player, saying: "If I'd have been in Zahavi's position, I would have behaved in exactly the same way. The referee should never have sent him off.
"Incidents like this make me want to quit and I don't know if I have the desire to carry on."
Israel FA chairman Ofer Eini said: "Nothing can justify such a violent end to a football match.
"I view very gravely the fact that this match had to be abandoned and I'm extremely bothered that violence has reared its head in this dangerous way.
"The Israel FA will not only bring to justice those responsible for this, but will also lead a determined and major campaign against violence in football and a return to sanity."
While Israeli police have sent an officer to guard Zahavi's home, 12 have been released without charges, although investigations continue. The 13th man, Elroy Yadi has been remanded for three days for further questioning. Judge Yaron Gat of the Tel Aviv Magistrates Court refused to release him on the grounds that he is a danger to the public.