Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off After Major Disturbances
The sports venue in Tel Aviv was engulfed by haze ahead of the planned start
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Published
The domestic football league derby between one local team and their city rivals was abandoned before the start on the weekend, following what authorities labeled as "public disorder and violent riots".
"Many of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown," Israeli police stated on social media, noting "this cannot be considered a sporting event, this is disorder and serious violence".
A dozen civilians and several law enforcement members were injured, officials confirmed, while nine people were arrested and sixteen held for interrogation.
The disturbances come just a brief period after authorities in the United Kingdom stated that supporters of the team cannot be permitted to be present at the Europa League game at Aston Villa in the UK next month because of public safety worries.
Hapoel Tel Aviv censured the derby cancellation, accusing authorities of "gearing up for a battle, rather than a game", particularly during talks in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated match.
"The alarming incidents outside the stadium and due to the irresponsible and outrageous decision to abandon the game only demonstrate that the authorities has seized authority in the sport," the club said in a statement.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has remained silent, except to confirm the game was called off.
The ruling by the local safety committee to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the English fixture on 6 November has sparked extensive disapproval.
The British authorities has later announced it is attempting to reverse the prohibition and considering what additional resources might be necessary to make certain the fixture can be held without incident.
The English club notified their security personnel that they did not have to work at the match, saying they understood that some "may have concerns".
On the previous day, law enforcement stated it backed the prohibition and classified the fixture as "concerning" based on information and previous incidents.
That included "physical confrontations and hate-crime offences" among Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a game in Amsterdam in November 2024, when numerous persons were detained.
There have been rallies at various sporting events regarding the conflict in Gaza, including when the national team competed against the Scandinavian team and the European team in recent qualification games.
Connected themes
- Football
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Released48 hours prior
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Issued16 August
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