Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed After Violent Riots
The sports venue in the city was filled with haze ahead of the anticipated beginning
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Issued
The domestic football league derby between one local team and their city rivals was cancelled prior to commencement on Sunday, after what police characterized as "crowd trouble and serious disturbances".
"Numerous of smoke grenades and fireworks were set off," authorities stated on digital channels, adding "this isn't a sporting event, it represents chaos and serious violence".
A dozen people and several police personnel were injured, police said, while nine people were arrested and numerous others held for interrogation.
The disturbances occur just days after authorities in the UK announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to be present at the Europa League match at the English club in Britain in November because of security issues.
Hapoel Tel Aviv censured the game abandonment, alleging authorities of "preparing for a battle, instead of a game", even during meetings in the build-up to the eagerly-awaited match.
"The shocking situations around the stadium and after the irresponsible and unacceptable decision not to hold the game only demonstrate that the law enforcement has seized authority in the sport," Hapoel Tel Aviv stated officially.
The other team has not yet commented, only acknowledging the fixture was abandoned.
The decision by security authorities to exclude club followers from the English fixture on 6 November has sparked extensive disapproval.
The UK government has since said it is seeking to cancel the ban and investigating what extra measures might be necessary to ensure the game can be hosted safely.
The English club informed their stadium staff that they were not required to attend at the fixture, stating they understood that some "might feel uneasy".
On the previous day, law enforcement said it backed the ban and classified the fixture as "potentially dangerous" due to information and past events.
That included "violent clashes and hate-crime offences" involving Ajax and their supporters prior to a fixture in Amsterdam in late 2024, when more than 60 people were taken into custody.
There have been protests at multiple sporting events over the conflict in Gaza, including when Israel played Norway and the European team in recent football World Cup qualifiers.
Associated subjects
- Soccer
Additional reports
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Released48 hours prior
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ReleasedMid-August
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