Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Cancelled Following Major Disturbances
The sports venue in the city was filled with smoke before the anticipated start
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The Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was called off ahead of commencement on the weekend, after what authorities described as "civil unrest and serious disturbances".
"Many of smoke grenades and fireworks were set off," law enforcement stated on online platforms, adding "this isn't a match, it represents unrest and major hostilities".
Twelve civilians and multiple police personnel were hurt, authorities reported, while several individuals were taken into custody and 16 detained for questioning.
The disturbances come just a brief period after officials in the United Kingdom announced that supporters of the team cannot be permitted to be present at the European competition fixture at Aston Villa in the UK the following month because of safety concerns.
Hapoel Tel Aviv censured the derby cancellation, claiming authorities of "gearing up for a battle, instead of a football match", even during talks in the build-up to the much-expected fixture.
"The alarming events near the venue and after the reckless and outrageous decision not to hold the game only show that the law enforcement has taken control of the game," Hapoel Tel Aviv announced publicly.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has not yet commented, only acknowledging the match was cancelled.
The decision by security authorities to exclude club followers from the Aston Villa match on the sixth of November has triggered extensive disapproval.
The UK government has since said it is attempting to reverse the prohibition and considering what additional resources might be needed to ensure the fixture can be conducted securely.
Villa notified their matchday stewards that they did not have to work at the match, explaining they understood that some "could be worried".
On the previous day, law enforcement confirmed it backed the ban and categorized the game as "potentially dangerous" due to reports and previous incidents.
That encompassed "violent clashes and bigotry-related acts" between the Dutch team and their supporters ahead of a match in the Dutch capital in November 2024, when over sixty individuals were detained.
There have been demonstrations at various sporting events over the situation in Gaza, including when Israel faced Norway and the European team in latest football World Cup qualifiers.
Related topics
- Football
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Released48 hours prior
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IssuedMid-August
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