Bnei Sakhnin has officially parted ways with its stadium announcer, Saeed Hasanein, following widespread condemnation of remarks he made during an interview with Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV.
In the interview, Hasanein referred to the Israel Defense Forces as the “enemy army” and expressed praise for Hamas militants. The club convened a disciplinary hearing where Hasanein asserted that his words had been taken out of context. Nevertheless, after deliberation, it was decided that he would no longer continue in his role as the team’s announcer, a position he held voluntarily.
In response, Bnei Sakhnin released a statement: “Hasanein’s statements do not reflect our views. Since October 7, we have maintained a stance of sensitivity and respect toward all sectors of Israeli society, and we firmly believe that politics and sports should remain separate.”
According to Channel 14, Hasanein’s interview with Al-Aqsa TV, which Israel has designated as a terrorist-affiliated channel, provoked a significant backlash. On the day six Israeli hostages were released, Hasanein appeared on the channel and commended Hamas’s actions, claiming that IDF soldier Omer Shem Tov kissed a Hamas militant “out of appreciation and respect for how he was treated in captivity.” He further asserted that Hamas’s treatment of female captives on October 7 aligned with Islamic law, contrasting this with what he described as Israeli “barbarism.”
Hasanein also addressed the release of Israeli-Arab prisoner Hisham al-Sayed, stating that Hamas sought to dissuade Arab citizens of Israel from enlisting in the IDF.
Israel Government Press Office Director Nitzan Chen will, subject to a hearing, revoke the GPO card of Radio Al-Nas journalist Said Hassanin.Hassanin, an anchorman on the Arab-Israeli radio station “Al-Nas”, was interviewed by Hamas’s Al-Aqsa Channel (which is banned from… pic.twitter.com/qHkY3nbbyh
— Government Press Office (@GPOIsrael) February 24, 2025
“There are weak-minded individuals who join the enemy army, serving the occupation. Hamas wants to send a message to Palestinians of ‘historic Palestine’ – or, as they are called, Israeli Arabs – that they should reconsider joining the occupation forces. Anyone contemplating enlisting should think a million times about the implications of their actions and whether they are sacrificing their conscience, morality, and faith.”
In addition to his role as a stadium announcer, Hasanein also worked as a broadcaster for the Israeli-Arab radio station “A-Nas.” In light of his inflammatory remarks, the head of the Government Press Office (GPO), Nitzan Chen, announced that Hasanein’s press credentials would be revoked, pending a formal hearing.
“The GPO strongly upholds freedom of the press and expression, viewing them as fundamental values,” Chen stated. “However, it is unacceptable for a credentialed journalist – who benefits from access provided by the State of Israel – to exploit his platform for incitement, thereby endangering the nation’s citizens and IDF soldiers.”
Israeli Premier League chairman Erez Kalfon issued a strongly worded letter to Bnei Sakhnin’s management.
“We were appalled to hear the severe, false, and unacceptable statements made by Mr. Saeed Hasanein, a staff member of Bnei Sakhnin, in his interview with Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV. Such remarks are entirely unacceptable in Israeli society, let alone in Israeli football.”
Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar also demanded Hasanein’s immediate dismissal.
“The Bnei Sakhnin announcer must be fired without delay. Failing to do so would be a disgrace to the Israeli football league. Bnei Sakhnin cannot permit such statements within its organization. Incidents like this severely harm Jewish-Arab relations in Israel and undermine the sense of unity in Israeli football.”
Shai Glick, director of the organization B’Tsalmo, also called for Hasanein’s removal
“An employee of your club has chosen to support Hamas and label the IDF an ‘enemy army.’ He should not only be fired immediately but also prosecuted. Football should be a model for culture, cooperation, and unity. Someone who endorses terror and maligns the IDF cannot remain as Bnei Sakhnin’s announcer for another second.”
Additionally, the “Choosing Life” forum, representing bereaved families, filed a police complaint against Hasanein, accusing him of incitement, supporting a terrorist organization, and betraying the State of Israel.
“It is unacceptable that while IDF soldiers risk their lives for Israel’s security, a person living in this country and holding a public role should exploit his platform to spread incitement and glorify those responsible for murdering Israeli civilians. Authorities must act decisively to prevent such occurrences and ensure that inciters face serious consequences for their words.”
Meanwhile, the upcoming Israel State Cup quarterfinal match between Bnei Sakhnin and Beitar Jerusalem will be held at Bloomfield Stadium as originally scheduled. Sakhnin had attempted to challenge the decision, but the Israel Football Association upheld the original ruling against postponement or relocation.
Sakhnin had initially sought to host the match at Acre Stadium, but Israeli police deemed the venue unsuitable for security reasons. The club then proposed playing the match without spectators, but this request was denied. Left with no alternative, Sakhnin had to choose between playing at Bloomfield Stadium or forfeiting the match, ultimately opting for the former.
“We expect the police to allow the match to proceed with fans in attendance. If they refuse, despite our belief that they can provide adequate security, we will request that the game be held without spectators. Why should we be penalized? If the police cannot secure Acre Stadium, they should prevent fans from attending rather than stripping us of home-field advantage,” the club stated. “Because of the police and the Haifa municipality, we are losing our home ground—where is the logic in that?”
Earlier, the IFA issued an ultimatum to Bnei Sakhnin, requiring it to secure an alternative venue by noon or face disciplinary action. The club expressed frustration with the decision to play at Bloomfield, arguing that it unfairly benefited Beitar Jerusalem.
“Why are we being forced into an away game? The draw determined that we would host the match. If the IFA wants to favor Beitar, they should move the match to Teddy Stadium instead, which would generate greater revenue for both clubs.”
Sakhnin officials also voiced anger toward Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav for refusing to approve Sammy Ofer Stadium as an alternative venue, despite pressure from the IFA. The club pointed out that while a previous agreement restricted visiting fans from attending league matches, it did not apply to State Cup games.
The controversy surrounding Hasanein and the ongoing stadium dispute has further strained relations between Bnei Sakhnin and Israeli football authorities, fueling wider discussions about the intersection of politics, sports, and coexistence in Israel.
This article was originally published at www.jpost.com
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