Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed After Major Disturbances
The sports venue in the city was covered in smoke before the scheduled kick-off
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The Israeli Premier League local clash involving one local team and their city rivals was cancelled prior to the start on Sunday, after what authorities labeled as "civil unrest and violent riots".
"Numerous of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were launched," Israeli police announced on online platforms, emphasizing "this is not a match, it represents disorder and major hostilities".
A dozen people and several officers were hurt, authorities reported, while nine people were detained and 16 questioned by police.
The clashes come just a short time after authorities in the United Kingdom stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to be present at the Europa League game at the English club in the UK the following month because of safety concerns.
Hapoel Tel Aviv condemned the game abandonment, alleging Israeli police of "getting ready for a war, rather than a football match", even during talks in the lead-up to the much-expected match.
"The shocking incidents around the arena and due to the ill-considered and outrageous decision not to hold the game only show that the law enforcement has assumed command over the game," the team stated officially.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, merely stating the game was called off.
The ruling by security authorities to exclude the team's supporters from the Birmingham game on November 6 has sparked widespread criticism.
The UK government has subsequently stated it is seeking to cancel the prohibition and exploring what further support might be necessary to guarantee the game can be held without incident.
Villa notified their security personnel that they did not have to work at the game, stating they understood that some "might feel uneasy".
On earlier in the week, local authorities confirmed it backed the restriction and classified the game as "concerning" according to intelligence and past events.
That involved "violent clashes and bigotry-related acts" involving Ajax and followers prior to a match in Amsterdam in November 2024, when over sixty individuals were taken into custody.
There have been demonstrations at multiple sporting events over the conflict in Gaza, for instance when Israel played the Scandinavian team and Italy in recent qualification games.
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PublishedAugust 16
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