Tel Aviv Derby Cancelled After Violent Riots
The sports venue in Tel Aviv was covered in smoke before the planned kick-off
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The domestic football league local clash between one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off prior to commencement on Sunday, due to what police characterized as "public disorder and serious disturbances".
"Numerous of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were set off," Israeli police posted on social media, adding "this is not a sporting event, this is unrest and serious violence".
A dozen people and several police personnel were injured, police said, while multiple persons were arrested and sixteen questioned by police.
The disturbances happen just a brief period after representatives in the UK announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to be present at the international tournament game at Aston Villa in the UK next month because of safety concerns.
One team censured the game abandonment, claiming authorities of "preparing for a war, not a sporting event", even during meetings in the preparation to the much-expected match.
"The shocking incidents outside the venue and due to the irresponsible and scandalous decision to cancel the match only demonstrate that the authorities has assumed command over the sport," Hapoel Tel Aviv stated officially.
Their rivals has not yet commented, merely stating the game was called off.
The judgment by security authorities to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on 6 November has sparked extensive disapproval.
The government officials has later announced it is working to overturn the prohibition and exploring what further support might be necessary to ensure the game can be held without incident.
Aston Villa told their stadium staff that they were not required to attend at the match, stating they understood that some "may have concerns".
On earlier in the week, West Midlands Police said it endorsed the prohibition and categorized the fixture as "potentially dangerous" due to reports and past events.
That encompassed "physical confrontations and discrimination incidents" involving Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ahead of a match in the Netherlands in November 2024, when numerous persons were detained.
There have been rallies at multiple games concerning the situation in Gaza, including when the national team competed against Norway and Italy in current football World Cup qualifiers.
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Published2 days ago
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Issued16 August
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