Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed After Serious Unrest
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was filled with haze ahead of the planned kick-off
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Published
The domestic football league rivalry match featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off ahead of the start on Sunday, after what police labeled as "public disorder and serious disturbances".
"Many of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were launched," authorities announced on social media, adding "this is not a match, it constitutes chaos and significant aggression".
Twelve people and three police personnel were harmed, authorities reported, while several individuals were arrested and numerous others questioned by police.
The unrest occur just a short time after authorities in the United Kingdom stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to be present at the Europa League game at the English club in Britain next month because of security issues.
One team condemned the game abandonment, accusing Israeli police of "preparing for a battle, rather than a game", including during meetings in the preparation to the highly-anticipated match.
"The disturbing incidents near the arena and following the irresponsible and outrageous ruling not to hold the fixture only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport," Hapoel Tel Aviv announced publicly.
The other team has not yet commented, only acknowledging the fixture was abandoned.
The decision by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on November 6 has triggered extensive disapproval.
The government officials has since said it is attempting to reverse the restriction and considering what additional resources might be required to guarantee the fixture can be conducted securely.
Aston Villa told their matchday stewards that they were not required to attend at the game, saying they acknowledged that some "could be worried".
On Thursday, law enforcement confirmed it supported the prohibition and categorized the fixture as "potentially dangerous" according to reports and previous incidents.
That involved "serious fights and hate-crime offences" between the Dutch team and their supporters prior to a game in the Dutch capital in November 2024, when more than 60 people were taken into custody.
There have been rallies at various athletic competitions concerning the situation in Gaza, for instance when the national team played the Scandinavian team and the European team in current international matches.
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Additional reports
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Published48 hours prior
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ReleasedAugust 16
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