Wellington Phoenix and the A-Leagues independent match review panel are expected to look into Israeli striker Tomer Hemeds controversial goal celebrations during Sundays 2-2 draw with Melbourne City, even though the club has defended the players actions.
The former Premier League player scored twice to secure a point against the A-League leaders but it was his celebrations, rather than the goals themselves, that created the biggest talking point from the game.
Morgan Hancock/Photosport
Israeli striker Tomer Hemed (R) of the Phoenix dons a kippah after scoring against Melbourne City.
We respect peoples rights for their expressions but at the same time we have to be very sensitive to what is going on in the Middle East and the human tragedy that is happening there, Phoenix general manager David Dome said on Monday, as the team arrived back in Wellington.
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Weve already spoken to Tomer about that and over the next couple of days we will look into it in more detail and come up with a response about how were going to handle it on the day as well.
I dont expect a punishment but I think we will get a please explain from the league.
Morgan Hancock/Photosport
Tomer Hemed of the Phoenix reacts after scoring against Melbourne City.
During a time of violent conflict between Israel and Palestine, Hemed, a former Israeli international, used his moment in the spotlight to show support to his home country.
This game is dedicated to you my dear country. My heart is with you. May the peace return soon amen, Hemed posted on social media after the game.
The Wellington Phoenix arrive back in New Zealand.
After firing the Phoenix in front in the 37th minute, he ran to a group of Jewish supporters and draped himself in the Israeli national flag.
And when he scored a dramatic late equaliser to rescue a point, he pulled a kippah out from under his uniform and put it on. He placed one hand over his face and pointed the other to the sky.
Tomer Hemed of the Phoenix was yellow carded for wearing his kippah after a goal.
A kippah is a brimless cloth cap traditionally worn by Jewish men.
Hemed was immediately issued a yellow card, the mandatory sanction for covering the face or head with a mask or other covering.
I know for a fact that when he does that celebration hes praying for peace, Dome said. He doesnt see it as an insensitive celebration at all.
Hes proud of his country and as an Israeli abroad hes trying to express solidarity with his country, but I also think we have to look at the flipside of it as well and theres a very real human tragedy thats going on in that part of the world and we have to be sensitive to both sides.
In a secular society like New Zealand we have to be seen doing the right thing and have to do the right thing, and I think well look into it in more detail this week.
Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Tomer Hemed is greeted by fans, including two carrying an Israeli flag, after the Wellington Phoenix’s draw with Melbourne City.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay distanced himself from Hemeds celebrations when asked about them in the post-match press conference on Sunday but said he expected the match review panel to examine the incident.
The A-Leagues match review panel routinely examines every yellow or red card caution.
Im sure well look at it as a club and the federation will look at it as well, but at the end of the day I cant control once the players are out on the field what they do, Talay said.
I didnt see it. I was celebrating at that time. I was facing the other way when I was celebrating so I couldnt see. Its hard for me to comment on at the end of the day.
As for Hemeds man of the match performance, Talay said his contribution was timely given the absence of injured captain Ulises Davila.
He’s a different player for us. He gives us that presence up top that we need, Talay said. He scored from the penalty and I thought the second goal was a good goal as well. Hes an important player for us, especially tonight when we were missing two very important players. Its great that he stepped up.