Israel to face likely FIFA sanction as knife-wielding fan attacks star Real Madrid forward

macfranc007 October 10, 2017 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Arinze Esomnofu

- Six fans stormed the pitch during Spain 0-1 away win in Jerusalem

- One of the fans was heading towards Real Madrid star Isco

- The fan was allegedly wielding a small knife

A knife-wielding football fan was arrested by Israeli police after running onto the pitch during the World Cup qualifier between Israel and Spain on Monday, October 9, 2017 according to Israeli media.

Reports claim the fan - one of six pitch-invaders held at the end of the match made a beeline for Real Madrid star Isco but 'dropped the blade shortly before being apprehended'.

'Knife-wielding' football fan arrested after running onto pitch towards Isco (photo: REX/Shutterstock)

The Israel FA and police in Jerusalem have contrary to a multitude of media reports such as the one in The Times of Israel flatly denied that the invader was carrying a knife.

Those media outlets appear to be standing by their story today however - and Spanish media is questioning whether the denial is because the pitch-invader was a teenager or that Israel fears UEFA sanctions for the incident.

'Knife-wielding' football fan arrested after running onto pitch towards Isco (Image: REUTERS)

Spanish media Marca quoted a security source as saying: "The [perpetrator] who had hidden a small knife is a minor of Jerusalem."

And media outlets in Israel are quoting a member of the stadium's security team as saying: "We immediately understood that he had a knife in his pocket."

The motives of the fans are still unknown (Image: AFP)

But the Israel FA's Shlomi Barzel is quoted today as saying: "According to all the information we have, there is no evidence or indication that someone was carrying a knife among those who jumped onto the field.

"We will file a lawsuit against the six fans who will face the consequences of their totally objectionable actions in a stadium, but I repeat I do not know where they have obtained information about the alleged knife.

Security men taking one of the pitch evaders away from the pitch (Image: AFP)

"I do not think Spain was received in a stadium outside their country with as much affection as here, especially Isco who received shouts and banners in favor, you and all those who were in the field."

Police spokesman Mike Rosenfeld insisted that members of the Spanish team were in no danger at any point during the match.

The game ended Israel's bid to qualify for next year's World Cup in Russia as they lost 1-0 to Spain.

It was reported that immediately after the game - six fans rushed onto the field at Jerusalem's packed to capacity Teddy Stadium.

The fans were forcefully carried away from the pitch (Image: AFP)

One fan is said to have broken away and made a beeline for Francisco Suarez - better known the Real Madrid midfielder Isco.

Respected Israeli news website Ynet reported : "During the chase by the security guards after that fan, a knife suddenly fell from his pocket.

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"[He} stopped instantly and the knife was taken from him as evidence."

It further reports a security source told them: "We were not sure if he had intended to stab or hurt one of the players - and the matter will be investigated and the details clarified."

Speculation is rife in Spain that any UEFA sanction for the multiple pitch invasions would be more severe if one of the fans had been found to be armed.

The Spanish FA and Isco are yet to comment - and it is not clear if the player was made aware of the allegations.

Despite the pitch invasion, Spain will be the happier of the both side as they have already secured World cup qualification despite unrest in Catalan.

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