Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed Due to Serious Unrest
The sports venue in the city was engulfed by haze ahead of the anticipated start
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The Israeli Premier League derby involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was cancelled prior to the start on Sunday, following what authorities labeled as "crowd trouble and violent riots".
"Many of smoke devices and fireworks were thrown," authorities stated on digital channels, noting "this isn't a sporting event, this is unrest and significant aggression".
Twelve individuals and several law enforcement members were injured, police said, while several individuals were taken into custody and sixteen questioned by police.
The clashes occur just days after representatives in the United Kingdom stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to attend the Europa League game at the English club in the UK next month because of security issues.
Hapoel Tel Aviv condemned the game abandonment, alleging Israeli police of "preparing for a conflict, rather than a football match", particularly during discussions in the build-up to the much-expected match.
"The shocking incidents around the stadium and following the reckless and unacceptable decision to cancel the fixture only show that the law enforcement has seized authority in the game," the club stated officially.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has remained silent, except to confirm the game was called off.
The decision by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to ban the team's supporters from the Birmingham game on 6 November has sparked widespread criticism.
The British authorities has since said it is working to overturn the prohibition and considering what extra measures might be needed to ensure the fixture can be conducted securely.
Aston Villa notified their stadium staff that they could choose not to participate at the game, explaining they acknowledged that some "could be worried".
On earlier in the week, law enforcement confirmed it endorsed the ban and designated the game as "potentially dangerous" due to information and earlier occurrences.
That included "physical confrontations and discrimination incidents" among Ajax and followers ahead of a match in the Netherlands in late 2024, when more than 60 people were arrested.
There have been protests at various athletic competitions concerning the war in Gaza, such as when Israel faced Norway and the European team in recent international matches.
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PublishedAugust 16
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