Tel Aviv Derby Postponed After Major Disturbances
The sports venue in Tel Aviv was filled with smoke before the scheduled kick-off
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Issued
The domestic football league derby involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled prior to kick-off on the weekend, after what authorities characterized as "civil unrest and major clashes".
"Many of smoke bombs and pyrotechnic devices were set off," authorities stated on digital channels, noting "this cannot be considered a sporting event, it represents disorder and major hostilities".
A dozen civilians and multiple law enforcement members were injured, authorities reported, while nine people were arrested and 16 detained for questioning.
The unrest happen just a brief period after representatives in the United Kingdom said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to go to the international tournament match at Aston Villa in Britain the following month because of public safety worries.
One team criticised the match postponement, alleging authorities of "preparing for a war, instead of a sporting event", including during discussions in the lead-up to the eagerly-awaited fixture.
"The disturbing situations near the arena and following the reckless and unacceptable decision not to hold the match only show that the authorities has taken control of the game," the club stated officially.
Their rivals has declined to speak, except to confirm the game was called off.
The ruling by the local safety committee to prohibit Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Birmingham game on November 6 has provoked extensive disapproval.
The UK government has since said it is working to overturn the ban and exploring what extra measures might be required to ensure the fixture can be conducted securely.
Aston Villa told their matchday stewards that they were not required to attend at the game, stating they understood that some "could be worried".
On Thursday, West Midlands Police said it supported the restriction and classified the fixture as "concerning" due to information and past events.
That involved "serious fights and bigotry-related acts" involving Ajax and their supporters prior to a fixture in Amsterdam in late 2024, when over sixty individuals were arrested.
There have been rallies at multiple sporting events over the conflict in Gaza, for instance when Israel competed against the Scandinavian team and Italy in recent qualification games.
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Released2 days ago
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Published16 August
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