Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Cancelled Following Serious Unrest
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was covered in haze prior to the planned kick-off
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The domestic football league rivalry match involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned ahead of the start on the weekend, due to what law enforcement labeled as "public disorder and serious disturbances".
"Many of smoke devices and flares were set off," authorities announced on digital channels, noting "this isn't a football game, this is disorder and serious violence".
A dozen civilians and several police personnel were hurt, officials confirmed, while several individuals were detained and numerous others held for interrogation.
The clashes come just a short time after representatives in the United Kingdom stated that followers of the club cannot be permitted to go to the international tournament match at the Birmingham team in the UK next month because of security issues.
One team condemned the derby cancellation, accusing law enforcement of "gearing up for a conflict, instead of a sporting event", even during talks in the build-up to the eagerly-awaited fixture.
"The alarming events outside the arena and following the reckless and scandalous judgment not to hold the game only prove that the law enforcement has seized authority in the game," the club stated officially.
The other team has remained silent, only acknowledging the match was cancelled.
The decision by security authorities to ban club followers from the Birmingham game on November 6 has triggered broad condemnation.
The UK government has later announced it is attempting to reverse the prohibition and exploring what additional resources might be needed to ensure the game can be held without incident.
Villa told their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the match, stating they recognized that some "could be worried".
On Thursday, law enforcement confirmed it endorsed the prohibition and categorized the game as "high risk" according to reports and past events.
That encompassed "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" involving Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a game in Amsterdam in the previous year, when numerous persons were taken into custody.
There have been rallies at multiple athletic competitions regarding the conflict in Gaza, such as when the national team faced Norway and Italy in current football World Cup qualifiers.
Associated subjects
- Football
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Published48 hours prior
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Released16 August
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