Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off Following Serious Unrest
Bloomfield Stadium in the city was covered in smoke ahead of the planned kick-off
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The domestic football league local clash featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned ahead of the start on Sunday, due to what police described as "public disorder and major clashes".
"Many of smoke devices and pyrotechnic devices were set off," authorities announced on digital channels, adding "this isn't a sporting event, this is disorder and major hostilities".
Twelve individuals and several officers were injured, police said, while several individuals were arrested and numerous others detained for questioning.
The clashes occur just a short time after representatives in the United Kingdom announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to attend the international tournament fixture at the Birmingham team in England in November because of security issues.
One team censured the match postponement, accusing Israeli police of "gearing up for a war, instead of a game", particularly during meetings in the preparation to the much-expected encounter.
"The alarming situations outside the arena and due to the irresponsible and scandalous judgment to cancel the game only demonstrate that the law enforcement has assumed command over the sport," the club stated officially.
Their rivals has not yet commented, only acknowledging the match was cancelled.
The judgment by security authorities to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Birmingham game on November 6 has sparked broad condemnation.
The British authorities has later announced it is seeking to cancel the prohibition and exploring what further support might be necessary to make certain the match can be conducted securely.
Villa notified their stadium staff that they were not required to attend at the fixture, explaining they understood that some "could be worried".
On earlier in the week, West Midlands Police confirmed it supported the prohibition and classified the fixture as "high risk" according to intelligence and previous incidents.
That included "serious fights and bigotry-related acts" between Ajax and their supporters prior to a game in Amsterdam in November 2024, when numerous persons were taken into custody.
There have been protests at multiple games regarding the conflict in Gaza, such as when the national team played Norway and Italy in recent international matches.
Associated subjects
- The sport
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Publishedrecently
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Issued16 August
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