Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off Following Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was engulfed by smoke prior to the planned kick-off
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The Israeli Premier League local clash involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled prior to kick-off on Sunday, following what police described as "public disorder and violent riots".
"Many of smoke devices and flares were set off," Israeli police posted on digital channels, emphasizing "this isn't a football game, it represents unrest and serious violence".
A dozen people and three officers were injured, officials confirmed, while several individuals were taken into custody and numerous others held for interrogation.
The unrest happen just a short time after authorities in the Britain announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to attend the international tournament fixture at Aston Villa in the UK the following month because of public safety worries.
One team condemned the match postponement, alleging Israeli police of "gearing up for a battle, rather than a game", including during discussions in the build-up to the much-expected encounter.
"The alarming incidents outside the arena and due to the irresponsible and outrageous decision to abandon the fixture only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport," the team stated officially.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, merely stating the fixture was abandoned.
The judgment by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to exclude the team's supporters from the Aston Villa match on November 6 has provoked extensive disapproval.
The government officials has later announced it is working to overturn the restriction and exploring what additional resources might be necessary to ensure the match can be conducted securely.
Aston Villa notified their security personnel that they did not have to work at the fixture, explaining they recognized that some "may have concerns".
On Thursday, law enforcement stated it endorsed the restriction and classified the fixture as "potentially dangerous" according to reports and previous incidents.
That included "physical confrontations and hate-crime offences" involving Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a game in the Netherlands in the previous year, when numerous persons were arrested.
There have been protests at various games concerning the situation in Gaza, for instance when Israel played the Scandinavian team and the European team in recent football World Cup qualifiers.
Associated subjects
- The sport
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Published2 days ago
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PublishedAugust 16
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