Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Cancelled After Violent Riots
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was engulfed by haze prior to the anticipated kick-off
-
Published
The domestic football league derby featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off before the start on Sunday, due to what police labeled as "civil unrest and major clashes".
"Dozens of smoke bombs and flares were thrown," law enforcement stated on social media, noting "this isn't a football game, it represents unrest and significant aggression".
A dozen people and several law enforcement members were harmed, police said, while multiple persons were taken into custody and sixteen held for interrogation.
The disturbances happen just days after authorities in the Britain announced that followers of the club cannot be permitted to attend the Europa League game at the English club in Britain the following month because of security issues.
The local club criticised the match postponement, alleging law enforcement of "gearing up for a war, not a game", including during talks in the preparation to the much-expected match.
"The disturbing incidents near the arena and following the irresponsible and scandalous judgment to cancel the fixture only show that the law enforcement has assumed command over the football," the club stated officially.
The other team has remained silent, except to confirm the match was cancelled.
The judgment by the local safety committee to exclude club followers from the English fixture on 6 November has provoked widespread criticism.
The British authorities has later announced it is attempting to reverse the prohibition and considering what extra measures might be required to ensure the fixture can be held without incident.
Aston Villa notified their matchday stewards that they did not have to work at the game, saying they recognized that some "may have concerns".
On Thursday, West Midlands Police confirmed it backed the ban and categorized the game as "potentially dangerous" due to information and past events.
That included "serious fights and hate-crime offences" between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans prior to a match in the Netherlands in late 2024, when numerous persons were arrested.
There have been demonstrations at multiple sporting events concerning the war in Gaza, including when Israel competed against Norway and the European team in latest international matches.
Connected themes
- The sport
Additional reports
-
-
Releasedrecently
-
-
-
ReleasedAugust 16
-
