Ofer Yanai to Face Disciplinary Trial Over Criticism of Referee

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Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yanai sharply criticized referee Sfi Shamesh after the derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup. Among other things, Yanai claimed that the 58-year-old referee "barely moves, barely sees."

The disciplinary prosecutor of the Israel Basketball Association ruled that Yanai's remarks crossed the line between criticism and contempt and defamation, and therefore he will face a disciplinary trial. The prosecutor demanded that a monetary fine be imposed on him, and the amount of the fine will be determined by the judges.

The Referees Association filed a complaint against Yanai, and the prosecutor claimed that some of the statements constitute libel and contempt of a person on the basis of his age.