Israel has suspended two players over criticism of their manager, the national football association confirms.
Brighton striker Tomer Hemed, 29, and goalkeeper Ariel Harush, 28, are suspended for two games, including the World Cup qualifier with Albania.
Israel lost to Spain on Friday to fall four points behind them and Italy in Group G in the European qualification for Russia 2018. Both players were substitutes and after the game vented their anger over coach Elisha Levy’s tactics to Israeli media.
Spain’s midfielder Andres Iniesta (L) views with Israel’s midfielder Lior Refaelov during the WC 2018 group G football qualifying match of Spain vs Israel at the El Molinon stadium in Gijon on March 24, 2017. (AFP/Miguel Riopa)
“If the players will apologize and the coach finds them fit, they will be eligible again (after the two games),” a spokesman for the Israeli Football Association says.
“I don’t care what the reason is, I must be a starter for Israel,” local media quotes Hemed, whose club Brighton is currently in line for promotion to the Premier League this season, as saying.
— AFP
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