Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed After Serious Unrest
The sports venue in Tel Aviv was filled with smoke prior to the scheduled beginning
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The Israeli Premier League rivalry match featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off before kick-off on Sunday, after what law enforcement described as "civil unrest and serious disturbances".
"Dozens of smoke grenades and fireworks were set off," Israeli police posted on social media, noting "this isn't a match, this is unrest and significant aggression".
Twelve civilians and three law enforcement members were hurt, authorities reported, while nine people were taken into custody and sixteen questioned by police.
The clashes occur just a short time after representatives in the Britain announced that followers of the club should not be allowed to be present at the international tournament game at Aston Villa in England next month because of safety concerns.
One team censured the match postponement, accusing Israeli police of "gearing up for a war, instead of a sporting event", including during discussions in the build-up to the much-expected match.
"The disturbing incidents around the arena and after the reckless and unacceptable decision to abandon the game only demonstrate that the Israel Police has seized authority in the football," the club announced publicly.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, except to confirm the fixture was abandoned.
The judgment by security authorities to prohibit club followers from the Birmingham game on the sixth of November has triggered broad condemnation.
The British authorities has since said it is seeking to cancel the ban and exploring what extra measures might be necessary to ensure the match can be held without incident.
Aston Villa informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the match, explaining they acknowledged that some "might feel uneasy".
On earlier in the week, law enforcement confirmed it supported the prohibition and categorized the fixture as "potentially dangerous" according to intelligence and previous incidents.
That included "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" between the Dutch team and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ahead of a match in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when more than 60 people were detained.
There have been rallies at various games regarding the situation in Gaza, including when the national team competed against the Scandinavian team and Italy in recent international matches.
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Posted48 hours prior
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PublishedAugust 16
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