Tel Aviv Derby Postponed Following Serious Unrest
The sports venue in the city was engulfed by haze ahead of the scheduled kick-off
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The domestic football league derby featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was cancelled before the start on the weekend, following what authorities characterized as "public disorder and serious disturbances".
"Numerous of smoke grenades and fireworks were launched," Israeli police posted on online platforms, emphasizing "this is not a football game, this is chaos and significant aggression".
A dozen civilians and three police personnel were injured, officials confirmed, while nine people were detained and 16 held for interrogation.
The disturbances happen just a brief period after representatives in the UK announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ought to be banned to go to the European competition game at the English club in England the following month because of security issues.
The local club condemned the match postponement, claiming law enforcement of "getting ready for a war, not a game", particularly during meetings in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited match.
"The disturbing events around the venue and after the irresponsible and scandalous decision not to hold the game only demonstrate that the law enforcement has assumed command over the game," Hapoel Tel Aviv announced publicly.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has not yet commented, merely stating the game was called off.
The decision by the local safety committee to ban the team's supporters from the Aston Villa match on November 6 has sparked broad condemnation.
The government officials has subsequently stated it is working to overturn the ban and considering what extra measures might be necessary to ensure the game can be conducted securely.
Aston Villa told their stadium staff that they could choose not to participate at the match, saying they recognized that some "may have concerns".
On Thursday, West Midlands Police stated it endorsed the ban and categorized the fixture as "concerning" based on reports and past events.
That included "violent clashes and hate-crime offences" among the Dutch team and their supporters prior to a fixture in the Netherlands in late 2024, when numerous persons were arrested.
There have been demonstrations at multiple athletic competitions concerning the conflict in Gaza, including when Israel faced the Scandinavian team and the European team in current qualification games.
Associated subjects
- Football
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Released2 days ago
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IssuedMid-August
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