Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off Due to Violent Riots
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was engulfed by haze ahead of the planned beginning
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The Israeli Premier League local clash between one local team and their city rivals was called off before kick-off on the weekend, after what authorities described as "civil unrest and serious disturbances".
"Dozens of smoke devices and flares were thrown," law enforcement posted on online platforms, emphasizing "this isn't a match, it constitutes chaos and major hostilities".
Twelve individuals and multiple officers were hurt, authorities reported, while several individuals were arrested and numerous others detained for questioning.
The clashes come just a short time after representatives in the United Kingdom stated that followers of the club cannot be permitted to be present at the European competition match at the Birmingham team in England in November because of security issues.
Hapoel Tel Aviv condemned the game abandonment, accusing Israeli police of "preparing for a battle, not a sporting event", including during talks in the build-up to the highly-anticipated fixture.
"The alarming events near the stadium and following the irresponsible and scandalous decision to cancel the fixture only show that the Israel Police has assumed command over the football," the team announced publicly.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, merely stating the match was cancelled.
The decision by security authorities to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the English fixture on 6 November has sparked broad condemnation.
The UK government has since said it is seeking to cancel the ban and considering what further support might be required to make certain the match can be conducted securely.
Aston Villa informed their matchday stewards that they were not required to attend at the match, explaining they recognized that some "may have concerns".
On Thursday, law enforcement stated it backed the ban and classified the match as "high risk" due to reports and earlier occurrences.
That involved "physical confrontations and bigotry-related acts" among Ajax and their supporters before a game in the Netherlands in late 2024, when numerous persons were detained.
There have been demonstrations at several sporting events over the situation in Gaza, for instance when the national team competed against the Scandinavian team and the European team in latest international matches.
Associated subjects
- Football
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Released2 days ago
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Issued16 August
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