Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Called Off After Major Disturbances
The sports venue in the city was covered in haze prior to the anticipated kick-off
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The domestic football league derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off prior to kick-off on Sunday, after what police characterized as "public disorder and serious disturbances".
"Dozens of smoke devices and flares were launched," Israeli police posted on social media, noting "this cannot be considered a match, this is disorder and serious violence".
A dozen civilians and multiple law enforcement members were hurt, police said, while several individuals were detained and numerous others held for interrogation.
The disturbances occur just a short time after officials in the UK said that followers of the club ought to be banned to attend the Europa League fixture at the English club in the UK the following month because of safety concerns.
The local club criticised the game abandonment, alleging Israeli police of "gearing up for a conflict, instead of a sporting event", particularly during talks in the preparation to the much-expected fixture.
"The disturbing situations outside the venue and due to the irresponsible and scandalous decision not to hold the fixture only demonstrate that the Israel Police has seized authority in the game," the team said in a statement.
The other team has not yet commented, only acknowledging the game was called off.
The judgment by security authorities to ban club followers from the Birmingham game on the sixth of November has provoked broad condemnation.
The British authorities has later announced it is attempting to reverse the ban and considering what additional resources might be needed to guarantee the match can be held without incident.
Aston Villa told their stadium staff that they could choose not to participate at the match, saying they acknowledged that some "could be worried".
On the previous day, law enforcement stated it supported the ban and categorized the game as "potentially dangerous" due to reports and earlier occurrences.
That encompassed "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" involving Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a game in the Dutch capital in November 2024, when numerous persons were taken into custody.
There have been protests at multiple sporting events concerning the war in Gaza, including when the national team played Norway and Italy in current football World Cup qualifiers.
Associated subjects
- Football
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Releasedrecently
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PublishedMid-August
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