Tel-Aviv Derby Cancelled After Major Disturbances
The sports venue in the city was covered in haze before the anticipated kick-off
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The domestic football league local clash featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned before kick-off on Sunday, after what authorities described as "public disorder and serious disturbances".
"Numerous of smoke bombs and flares were set off," law enforcement stated on social media, emphasizing "this cannot be considered a sporting event, it constitutes chaos and serious violence".
Twelve civilians and three law enforcement members were hurt, police said, while nine people were taken into custody and sixteen detained for questioning.
The unrest occur just a short time after authorities in the Britain stated that supporters of the team ought to be banned to go to the international tournament game at the English club in Britain the following month because of public safety worries.
The local club censured the match postponement, accusing law enforcement of "getting ready for a war, not a football match", including during discussions in the lead-up to the much-expected fixture.
"The disturbing incidents near the stadium and after the ill-considered and scandalous ruling to cancel the fixture only prove that the Israel Police has seized authority in the sport," the team stated officially.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, except to confirm the match was cancelled.
The ruling by the local safety committee to ban club followers from the Birmingham game on November 6 has provoked broad condemnation.
The British authorities has later announced it is attempting to reverse the prohibition and considering what further support might be needed to make certain the game can be conducted securely.
Villa told their security personnel that they could choose not to participate at the match, saying they understood that some "might feel uneasy".
On Thursday, West Midlands Police confirmed it endorsed the ban and designated the game as "concerning" according to intelligence and previous incidents.
That involved "physical confrontations and discrimination incidents" involving Ajax and their supporters ahead of a game in Amsterdam in November 2024, when over sixty individuals were arrested.
There have been demonstrations at several sporting events over the war in Gaza, such as when Israel competed against the Scandinavian team and Italy in latest qualification games.
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Posted48 hours prior
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Published16 August
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