Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Cancelled After Serious Unrest
The sports venue in the city was filled with haze prior to the scheduled beginning
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The Israeli Premier League rivalry match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off ahead of kick-off on the weekend, after what law enforcement characterized as "public disorder and serious disturbances".
"Numerous of smoke devices and fireworks were launched," law enforcement posted on digital channels, adding "this is not a match, it constitutes disorder and serious violence".
A dozen individuals and several law enforcement members were injured, authorities reported, while several individuals were arrested and sixteen questioned by police.
The clashes occur just days after officials in the UK stated that supporters of the team ought to be banned to be present at the Europa League match at Aston Villa in England in November because of security issues.
The local club condemned the match postponement, alleging law enforcement of "gearing up for a battle, instead of a football match", including during talks in the build-up to the much-expected match.
"The alarming situations near the arena and following the reckless and outrageous judgment not to hold the fixture only prove that the Israel Police has taken control of the game," Hapoel Tel Aviv stated officially.
Their rivals has declined to speak, merely stating the match was cancelled.
The judgment by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to ban the team's supporters from the Aston Villa match on 6 November has sparked broad condemnation.
The British authorities has subsequently stated it is seeking to cancel the prohibition and investigating what extra measures might be necessary to ensure the game can be hosted safely.
The English club informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the match, saying they recognized that some "may have concerns".
On earlier in the week, West Midlands Police confirmed it backed the restriction and designated the fixture as "concerning" due to reports and previous incidents.
That included "physical confrontations and discrimination incidents" between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a fixture in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when over sixty individuals were detained.
There have been protests at several sporting events over the conflict in Gaza, such as when the national team competed against Norway and Italy in latest qualification games.
Associated subjects
- Football
Additional reports
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Postedrecently
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Issued16 August
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