Combat Veterans Urge Football Ban on Fireworks Ahead of Tel Aviv Derby
Ahead of the Tel Aviv derby, the Combat Diamonds Forum urges football clubs and fans to ban fireworks and firecrackers in stadiums to protect combat veterans from severe PTSD triggers.
Ahead of the Tel Aviv derby in the Toto Cup final scheduled for Thursday at Bloomfield Stadium in Jaffa, the Combat Diamonds Forum, operating under the "Diamonds for Life" association, has called upon the Professional Leagues Directorate, football clubs, and fans to halt the use of fireworks and firecrackers in stadiums.
According to the association, sudden explosive sounds can trigger severe panic attacks, flashbacks, and post-traumatic stress responses for thousands of combat veterans, including soldiers who recently returned from the war. Football stadiums, which serve as a source of enjoyment, belonging, and a return to routine for many, must remain a safe space where those suffering from mental injuries can also feel secure.
In recent months, the forum has been leading an initiative in cooperation with the Professional Leagues Directorate to make stadiums more accessible to combat veterans. This effort includes providing advance warnings regarding the use of pyrotechnics, appointing dedicated contact personnel within the clubs, and exploring additional solutions to ensure veterans can attend matches and participate in the cheering experience.
Eitan Aliev of the Combat Diamonds Forum emphasized that the goal is not to harm fan culture, colorfulness, or the unique stadium atmosphere. However, a clear distinction must be drawn between visual cheering aids and fireworks or firecrackers that produce loud and sudden explosions. While other pyrotechnic devices also require caution and consideration, fireworks and firecrackers should never be part of the match experience.
Aliev urged teams and supporters to demonstrate responsibility and ensure that the stands remain a place where everyone can enjoy football without the fear of psychological harm. "Thousands of combat veterans live among us, attend matches, sit in the stands, and cheer for their teams. Many cope with invisible injuries, and a single explosive sound can instantly drag them back to the battlefield," he stated, drawing a parallel to the growing societal shift away from fireworks on Independence Day.
"The derby is a celebration of football and it must remain so for everyone. A single explosive sound can send us straight back to the battlefield, and just as we learned to give up fireworks on Independence Day, the time has come to do the same in stadiums."
