Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed Following Violent Riots
The sports venue in the city was engulfed by smoke ahead of the anticipated beginning
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Published
The Israeli Premier League local clash between one local team and their city rivals was abandoned ahead of kick-off on the weekend, due to what authorities characterized as "civil unrest and violent riots".
"Many of smoke bombs and flares were set off," law enforcement stated on online platforms, adding "this is not a sporting event, this is unrest and serious violence".
A dozen people and three police personnel were injured, police said, while multiple persons were taken into custody and sixteen detained for questioning.
The unrest happen just a short time after authorities in the United Kingdom stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to attend the European competition match at the English club in the UK next month because of security issues.
The local club criticised the game abandonment, accusing law enforcement of "preparing for a battle, instead of a football match", particularly during discussions in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited match.
"The shocking events near the venue and due to the irresponsible and outrageous ruling not to hold the fixture only show that the law enforcement has assumed command over the football," the team said in a statement.
Their rivals has not yet commented, only acknowledging the fixture was abandoned.
The decision by the local safety committee to exclude club followers from the English fixture on November 6 has triggered extensive disapproval.
The UK government has since said it is working to overturn the prohibition and considering what additional resources might be required to make certain the match can be conducted securely.
Aston Villa informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the match, stating they acknowledged that some "could be worried".
On earlier in the week, local authorities said it supported the prohibition and designated the fixture as "high risk" due to information and past events.
That included "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" among Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a game in Amsterdam in November 2024, when over sixty individuals were detained.
There have been rallies at several games regarding the situation in Gaza, including when Israel played Norway and the European team in current international matches.
Associated subjects
- Football
Further coverage
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Released2 days ago
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IssuedAugust 16
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