Tel Aviv Derby Postponed After Serious Unrest
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was filled with smoke ahead of the scheduled kick-off
-
Published
The domestic football league derby between one local team and their city rivals was abandoned ahead of the start on the weekend, following what authorities described as "public disorder and violent riots".
"Dozens of smoke bombs and fireworks were launched," law enforcement announced on social media, adding "this is not a football game, it represents unrest and major hostilities".
Twelve individuals and multiple law enforcement members were hurt, officials confirmed, while nine people were detained and numerous others questioned by police.
The clashes come just days after representatives in the Britain announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ought to be banned to attend the international tournament game at Aston Villa in England the following month because of safety concerns.
Hapoel Tel Aviv censured the match postponement, accusing law enforcement of "preparing for a battle, rather than a sporting event", particularly during meetings in the build-up to the highly-anticipated match.
"The disturbing events near the arena and due to the reckless and scandalous ruling not to hold the fixture only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport," the team said in a statement.
Their rivals has remained silent, merely stating the match was cancelled.
The decision by the local safety committee to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on 6 November has provoked extensive disapproval.
The government officials has since said it is seeking to cancel the prohibition and considering what additional resources might be necessary to make certain the game can be hosted safely.
Villa informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the fixture, stating they recognized that some "could be worried".
On the previous day, local authorities confirmed it backed the restriction and designated the game as "concerning" based on reports and past events.
That involved "violent clashes and bigotry-related acts" among Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans prior to a game in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when numerous persons were arrested.
There have been rallies at several sporting events concerning the conflict in Gaza, for instance when the national team played the Scandinavian team and the European team in latest qualification games.
Related topics
- Soccer
Additional reports
-
-
Released2 days ago
-
-
-
Issued16 August
-
