Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Cancelled Due to Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in the city was engulfed by smoke prior to the planned kick-off
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Published
The domestic football league local clash involving one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned ahead of kick-off on Sunday, following what police labeled as "public disorder and violent riots".
"Dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were set off," Israeli police announced on digital channels, emphasizing "this is not a sporting event, it constitutes disorder and major hostilities".
A dozen civilians and multiple law enforcement members were injured, officials confirmed, while multiple persons were detained and numerous others questioned by police.
The clashes happen just a short time after officials in the Britain announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to be present at the Europa League game at the English club in England the following month because of security issues.
One team condemned the derby cancellation, claiming Israeli police of "preparing for a war, not a game", including during meetings in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited fixture.
"The shocking incidents around the arena and due to the ill-considered and unacceptable decision not to hold the match only prove that the Israel Police has seized authority in the sport," the team announced publicly.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, except to confirm the match was cancelled.
The decision by security authorities to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the English fixture on 6 November has triggered extensive disapproval.
The UK government has later announced it is attempting to reverse the prohibition and considering what further support might be needed to make certain the match can be conducted securely.
Villa notified their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the game, stating they recognized that some "might feel uneasy".
On the previous day, law enforcement confirmed it backed the restriction and designated the fixture as "potentially dangerous" due to reports and past events.
That encompassed "serious fights and bigotry-related acts" involving Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans prior to a fixture in Amsterdam in November 2024, when over sixty individuals were taken into custody.
There have been demonstrations at multiple games over the war in Gaza, including when Israel played the Scandinavian team and Italy in recent qualification games.
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Posted2 days ago
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ReleasedMid-August
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