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Police Free Soccer Players Accused of On-board Scuffle

August 7, 1995
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Five members of an Israeli soccer team were released from police custody in London after being questioned about their alleged rowdy behavior on a flight from Germany to England.

Scotland Yard investigators released the five Sunday, saying that they found no proof to press charges of endangering air safety.

The incident occurred July 3, when members of the Hapoel Haifa soccer team were flying to England for games.

Officials from the airline said the five refused to fasten their seat belts and insulted a fight attendant, causing the plane to abort its first landing approach.

The plane later landed safely at Stansted Airport, northeast of London.

The team members were arrested when they first arrived in England. They are released on bail and reappeared for questioning on Sunday.

Members of the Israeli team said the plane crew was a fault, adding that their behavior came in reaction to a jibe made by a flight attended about kosher food.

One of the Israelis questioned, Hapoel Haifa trainer Avraham Grant, said he intended to sue the airline.

He also said the team members were provoked by a flight attended, who in response to request by team members for kosher food, referred to the food as “disgusting.”

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