Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Cancelled Following Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in the city was engulfed by smoke ahead of the scheduled kick-off
-
Published
The domestic football league rivalry match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned before kick-off on the weekend, due to what authorities characterized as "public disorder and serious disturbances".
"Dozens of smoke devices and fireworks were launched," law enforcement posted on digital channels, emphasizing "this is not a match, it represents unrest and significant aggression".
Twelve people and three officers were harmed, police said, while multiple persons were taken into custody and numerous others detained for questioning.
The disturbances come just days after officials in the UK announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to attend the Europa League fixture at Aston Villa in the UK the following month because of security issues.
Hapoel Tel Aviv condemned the match postponement, alleging law enforcement of "getting ready for a conflict, instead of a football match", particularly during discussions in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated match.
"The alarming incidents outside the venue and after the ill-considered and outrageous judgment to abandon the match only show that the Israel Police has assumed command over the football," the club announced publicly.
The other team has declined to speak, merely stating the fixture was abandoned.
The ruling by the local safety committee to exclude the team's supporters from the Aston Villa match on the sixth of November has provoked widespread criticism.
The UK government has since said it is working to overturn the restriction and considering what extra measures might be needed to make certain the game can be conducted securely.
The English club informed their security personnel that they could choose not to participate at the match, explaining they acknowledged that some "might feel uneasy".
On earlier in the week, local authorities confirmed it backed the prohibition and classified the match as "high risk" based on reports and earlier occurrences.
That encompassed "serious fights and discrimination incidents" among the Dutch team and followers before a fixture in the Dutch capital in the previous year, when over sixty individuals were detained.
There have been protests at multiple sporting events regarding the situation in Gaza, including when the national team faced Norway and the European team in latest qualification games.
Connected themes
- Soccer
Further coverage
-
-
Posted48 hours prior
-
-
-
Released16 August
-
