Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed After Violent Riots
Bloomfield Stadium in the city was filled with haze prior to the anticipated kick-off
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The domestic football league derby involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was called off prior to commencement on Sunday, following what law enforcement characterized as "public disorder and major clashes".
"Dozens of smoke devices and fireworks were set off," law enforcement posted on online platforms, noting "this isn't a football game, it represents unrest and serious violence".
Twelve individuals and multiple law enforcement members were hurt, police said, while several individuals were detained and sixteen detained for questioning.
The clashes come just a brief period after representatives in the Britain said that followers of the club should not be allowed to go to the international tournament game at the English club in England next month because of security issues.
The local club criticised the derby cancellation, alleging law enforcement of "gearing up for a conflict, instead of a sporting event", even during discussions in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated fixture.
"The shocking incidents near the stadium and following the reckless and unacceptable judgment to cancel the fixture only demonstrate that the authorities has taken control of the football," the team said in a statement.
Their rivals has declined to speak, merely stating the match was cancelled.
The ruling by security authorities to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on the sixth of November has provoked broad condemnation.
The British authorities has subsequently stated it is seeking to cancel the restriction and considering what extra measures might be required to make certain the match can be conducted securely.
The English club informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the game, stating they recognized that some "could be worried".
On Thursday, law enforcement stated it backed the restriction and categorized the fixture as "potentially dangerous" based on intelligence and past events.
That included "serious fights and discrimination incidents" among Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans prior to a fixture in the Netherlands in late 2024, when more than 60 people were detained.
There have been rallies at various sporting events regarding the conflict in Gaza, such as when Israel faced the Scandinavian team and the European team in current football World Cup qualifiers.
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Published48 hours prior
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PublishedAugust 16
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