Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Called Off Following Serious Unrest
The sports venue in Tel Aviv was covered in haze prior to the planned start
-
Published
The Israeli Premier League derby featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was called off prior to commencement on Sunday, due to what authorities characterized as "public disorder and violent riots".
"Dozens of smoke grenades and fireworks were set off," authorities stated on social media, noting "this isn't a sporting event, it constitutes unrest and significant aggression".
Twelve individuals and several law enforcement members were harmed, officials confirmed, while nine people were taken into custody and numerous others held for interrogation.
The unrest come just days after officials in the United Kingdom stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to be present at the international tournament match at the English club in England in November because of safety concerns.
Hapoel Tel Aviv criticised the derby cancellation, claiming law enforcement of "preparing for a battle, not a game", even during discussions in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated fixture.
"The shocking situations around the venue and due to the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the fixture only prove that the authorities has assumed command over the sport," the club said in a statement.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, only acknowledging the match was cancelled.
The decision by security authorities to ban the team's supporters from the Birmingham game on the sixth of November has triggered widespread criticism.
The British authorities has later announced it is attempting to reverse the ban and considering what extra measures might be necessary to guarantee the game can be conducted securely.
Aston Villa informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the game, explaining they recognized that some "might feel uneasy".
On the previous day, West Midlands Police said it endorsed the restriction and categorized the match as "potentially dangerous" according to reports and previous incidents.
That encompassed "serious fights and discrimination incidents" involving Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a fixture in Amsterdam in November 2024, when numerous persons were detained.
There have been demonstrations at various sporting events over the situation in Gaza, including when the national team competed against Norway and Italy in current football World Cup qualifiers.
Associated subjects
- Football
Further coverage
-
-
Posted48 hours prior
-
-
-
IssuedMid-August
-
