Tel Aviv Derby Called Off Following Serious Unrest
The sports venue in the city was covered in smoke before the anticipated kick-off
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The domestic football league rivalry match involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled before commencement on Sunday, due to what authorities labeled as "crowd trouble and serious disturbances".
"Dozens of smoke grenades and flares were launched," law enforcement posted on social media, adding "this is not a match, it represents disorder and serious violence".
A dozen individuals and multiple law enforcement members were hurt, authorities reported, while several individuals were detained and 16 questioned by police.
The clashes happen just days after representatives in the United Kingdom stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to attend the European competition game at the Birmingham team in England next month because of public safety worries.
Hapoel Tel Aviv condemned the match postponement, accusing law enforcement of "getting ready for a conflict, instead of a football match", even during meetings in the lead-up to the much-expected encounter.
"The alarming incidents near the stadium and after the reckless and outrageous judgment not to hold the game only show that the law enforcement has taken control of the game," the club said in a statement.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has not yet commented, merely stating the game was called off.
The judgment by security authorities to prohibit Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Birmingham game on the sixth of November has triggered broad condemnation.
The UK government has since said it is attempting to reverse the prohibition and investigating what extra measures might be required to make certain the fixture can be hosted safely.
The English club informed their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the match, saying they acknowledged that some "might feel uneasy".
On earlier in the week, law enforcement said it endorsed the ban and designated the game as "concerning" due to reports and past events.
That involved "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" among the Dutch team and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ahead of a game in the Netherlands in November 2024, when numerous persons were detained.
There have been demonstrations at multiple games over the conflict in Gaza, such as when the national team competed against the Scandinavian team and Italy in recent football World Cup qualifiers.
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Published2 days ago
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Issued16 August
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