Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off After Serious Unrest
The sports venue in Tel Aviv was covered in haze ahead of the planned start
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Issued
The Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off before kick-off on the weekend, after what law enforcement labeled as "crowd trouble and violent riots".
"Many of smoke bombs and flares were launched," law enforcement announced on online platforms, emphasizing "this is not a sporting event, this is unrest and major hostilities".
A dozen civilians and several law enforcement members were hurt, authorities reported, while nine people were arrested and numerous others questioned by police.
The clashes come just days after authorities in the Britain announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to go to the Europa League fixture at the English club in the UK the following month because of security issues.
The local club condemned the game abandonment, alleging Israeli police of "gearing up for a battle, rather than a sporting event", particularly during talks in the build-up to the much-expected fixture.
"The disturbing events outside the venue and following the irresponsible and scandalous ruling not to hold the game only demonstrate that the Israel Police has assumed command over the sport," the team stated officially.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, merely stating the fixture was abandoned.
The judgment by the local safety committee to prohibit club followers from the English fixture on the sixth of November has provoked broad condemnation.
The British authorities has subsequently stated it is seeking to cancel the ban and investigating what further support might be needed to ensure the fixture can be held without incident.
The English club informed their security personnel that they could choose not to participate at the match, saying they understood that some "could be worried".
On the previous day, law enforcement stated it backed the prohibition and classified the fixture as "concerning" based on information and previous incidents.
That encompassed "serious fights and bigotry-related acts" among the Dutch team and followers before a game in Amsterdam in the previous year, when numerous persons were taken into custody.
There have been demonstrations at various sporting events concerning the situation in Gaza, including when Israel played Norway and Italy in recent football World Cup qualifiers.
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Additional reports
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Posted2 days ago
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Issued16 August
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