Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed After Violent Riots
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was filled with haze before the planned start
-
Published
The Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned before kick-off on the weekend, following what law enforcement described as "public disorder and violent riots".
"Many of smoke devices and flares were thrown," law enforcement posted on online platforms, adding "this isn't a sporting event, it constitutes disorder and significant aggression".
A dozen individuals and three police personnel were hurt, authorities reported, while multiple persons were detained and numerous others questioned by police.
The unrest happen just days after representatives in the United Kingdom announced that supporters of the team ought to be banned to attend the European competition match at the Birmingham team in the UK the following month because of public safety worries.
The local club criticised the match postponement, claiming authorities of "gearing up for a war, instead of a sporting event", particularly during talks in the preparation to the much-expected match.
"The disturbing events outside the venue and after the ill-considered and outrageous ruling to abandon the fixture only prove that the law enforcement has taken control of the football," the club said in a statement.
Their rivals has declined to speak, merely stating the match was cancelled.
The decision by security authorities to ban the team's supporters from the Birmingham game on November 6 has provoked widespread criticism.
The UK government has since said it is working to overturn the ban and investigating what additional resources might be required to guarantee the game can be held without incident.
The English club informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the fixture, saying they understood that some "could be worried".
On Thursday, law enforcement said it backed the prohibition and designated the match as "potentially dangerous" due to information and previous incidents.
That encompassed "violent clashes and hate-crime offences" between the Dutch team and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a fixture in the Netherlands in the previous year, when more than 60 people were detained.
There have been protests at several games concerning the conflict in Gaza, for instance when Israel played the Scandinavian team and the European team in recent qualification games.
Connected themes
- Football
Further coverage
-
-
Released2 days ago
-
-
-
IssuedMid-August
-
