Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off Following Violent Riots
The sports venue in the city was covered in haze ahead of the planned start
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Published
The Israeli Premier League local clash between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled ahead of the start on the weekend, following what police labeled as "public disorder and violent riots".
"Numerous of smoke bombs and fireworks were thrown," law enforcement announced on social media, adding "this cannot be considered a football game, it constitutes chaos and major hostilities".
A dozen civilians and multiple officers were hurt, officials confirmed, while several individuals were taken into custody and sixteen questioned by police.
The unrest happen just a short time after officials in the UK said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to attend the Europa League match at the Birmingham team in the UK in November because of safety concerns.
The local club condemned the game abandonment, claiming authorities of "gearing up for a conflict, instead of a sporting event", even during meetings in the build-up to the highly-anticipated fixture.
"The shocking incidents near the venue and after the irresponsible and unacceptable decision not to hold the fixture only show that the authorities has taken control of the football," the club announced publicly.
The other team has remained silent, merely stating the match was cancelled.
The judgment by the local safety committee to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Birmingham game on the sixth of November has provoked broad condemnation.
The UK government has later announced it is seeking to cancel the prohibition and investigating what additional resources might be required to make certain the game can be conducted securely.
The English club told their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the match, stating they recognized that some "may have concerns".
On the previous day, local authorities stated it backed the ban and categorized the match as "concerning" based on reports and past events.
That included "serious fights and hate-crime offences" among Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans prior to a game in the Netherlands in November 2024, when numerous persons were arrested.
There have been rallies at various games concerning the war in Gaza, such as when Israel faced the Scandinavian team and the European team in recent qualification games.
Associated subjects
- Football
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Posted48 hours prior
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Issued16 August
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