Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Called Off After Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was filled with smoke prior to the planned beginning
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Released
The domestic football league local clash involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was called off ahead of the start on the weekend, after what law enforcement labeled as "crowd trouble and violent riots".
"Dozens of smoke bombs and pyrotechnic devices were launched," Israeli police posted on digital channels, noting "this is not a match, it constitutes unrest and significant aggression".
A dozen people and three law enforcement members were hurt, authorities reported, while nine people were taken into custody and 16 questioned by police.
The clashes happen just days after officials in the United Kingdom said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to be present at the international tournament game at Aston Villa in England the following month because of security issues.
One team condemned the derby cancellation, claiming authorities of "gearing up for a conflict, instead of a football match", particularly during discussions in the lead-up to the much-expected match.
"The alarming situations around the stadium and after the reckless and unacceptable ruling to abandon the game only prove that the authorities has taken control of the sport," the team announced publicly.
Their rivals has declined to speak, merely stating the game was called off.
The decision by security authorities to exclude the team's supporters from the English fixture on November 6 has provoked extensive disapproval.
The government officials has since said it is attempting to reverse the restriction and considering what extra measures might be required to ensure the game can be held without incident.
The English club informed their matchday stewards that they did not have to work at the game, saying they understood that some "may have concerns".
On the previous day, local authorities stated it endorsed the restriction and classified the game as "high risk" based on intelligence and earlier occurrences.
That included "serious fights and hate-crime offences" among Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a game in the Dutch capital in the previous year, when over sixty individuals were arrested.
There have been protests at several sporting events regarding the war in Gaza, for instance when Israel played the Scandinavian team and the European team in current international matches.
Associated subjects
- The sport
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Released2 days ago
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Published16 August
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