Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off After Violent Riots
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was covered in smoke ahead of the scheduled beginning
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Issued
The domestic football league derby between one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled before the start on the weekend, due to what law enforcement characterized as "crowd trouble and violent riots".
"Many of smoke grenades and flares were launched," authorities posted on online platforms, emphasizing "this isn't a sporting event, this is unrest and significant aggression".
A dozen civilians and multiple officers were hurt, officials confirmed, while several individuals were detained and numerous others detained for questioning.
The clashes occur just a short time after representatives in the UK said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ought to be banned to attend the international tournament fixture at the English club in Britain the following month because of safety concerns.
One team censured the derby cancellation, claiming law enforcement of "getting ready for a war, rather than a game", even during talks in the build-up to the much-expected fixture.
"The disturbing incidents around the stadium and due to the irresponsible and outrageous ruling to cancel the fixture only demonstrate that the law enforcement has seized authority in the sport," the team announced publicly.
The other team has remained silent, merely stating the game was called off.
The decision by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to exclude the team's supporters from the Aston Villa match on 6 November has provoked broad condemnation.
The British authorities has since said it is attempting to reverse the restriction and considering what extra measures might be required to guarantee the game can be conducted securely.
Villa notified their security personnel that they could choose not to participate at the game, explaining they acknowledged that some "could be worried".
On Thursday, law enforcement said it supported the prohibition and designated the game as "concerning" based on reports and previous incidents.
That involved "physical confrontations and discrimination incidents" between Ajax and their supporters before a game in the Dutch capital in November 2024, when more than 60 people were arrested.
There have been demonstrations at several sporting events over the situation in Gaza, such as when Israel played Norway and the European team in recent qualification games.
Associated subjects
- Football
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Posted48 hours prior
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PublishedAugust 16
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