Tel-Aviv Derby Cancelled Following Serious Unrest
The sports venue in the city was filled with smoke prior to the planned beginning
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The Israeli Premier League local clash featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned ahead of the start on Sunday, due to what police labeled as "crowd trouble and violent riots".
"Many of smoke bombs and fireworks were launched," Israeli police posted on social media, adding "this isn't a sporting event, it represents unrest and significant aggression".
A dozen individuals and three officers were injured, police said, while nine people were detained and sixteen held for interrogation.
The clashes happen just days after officials in the Britain stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to go to the Europa League match at the English club in England in November because of security issues.
Hapoel Tel Aviv censured the derby cancellation, claiming Israeli police of "getting ready for a battle, not a game", particularly during talks in the build-up to the much-expected match.
"The disturbing incidents near the venue and due to the irresponsible and scandalous judgment not to hold the match only demonstrate that the law enforcement has assumed command over the sport," the club said in a statement.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has not yet commented, only acknowledging the game was called off.
The judgment by security authorities to prohibit club followers from the English fixture on November 6 has sparked widespread criticism.
The UK government has since said it is seeking to cancel the ban and investigating what additional resources might be necessary to make certain the game can be conducted securely.
Villa informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the game, explaining they acknowledged that some "could be worried".
On Thursday, West Midlands Police stated it backed the restriction and categorized the match as "potentially dangerous" according to reports and earlier occurrences.
That encompassed "serious fights and hate-crime offences" involving the Dutch team and their supporters prior to a fixture in Amsterdam in the previous year, when numerous persons were detained.
There have been rallies at various sporting events concerning the conflict in Gaza, such as when the national team faced Norway and Italy in latest international matches.
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Released48 hours prior
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Published16 August
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