Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed After Serious Unrest
The sports venue in the city was filled with smoke ahead of the planned kick-off
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Issued
The domestic football league rivalry match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off before commencement on the weekend, after what police characterized as "civil unrest and violent riots".
"Numerous of smoke grenades and flares were launched," law enforcement posted on social media, adding "this is not a sporting event, it represents unrest and significant aggression".
A dozen civilians and several law enforcement members were hurt, authorities reported, while multiple persons were arrested and 16 questioned by police.
The clashes come just days after representatives in the UK stated that followers of the club cannot be permitted to attend the international tournament fixture at Aston Villa in Britain next month because of security issues.
The local club condemned the match postponement, claiming law enforcement of "preparing for a war, instead of a sporting event", including during discussions in the preparation to the much-expected fixture.
"The disturbing situations near the venue and after the ill-considered and unacceptable decision to cancel the fixture only show that the authorities has assumed command over the game," the club announced publicly.
Their rivals has declined to speak, except to confirm the match was cancelled.
The ruling by security authorities to prohibit the team's supporters from the English fixture on November 6 has triggered widespread criticism.
The UK government has subsequently stated it is attempting to reverse the ban and investigating what further support might be necessary to ensure the fixture can be hosted safely.
The English club notified their security personnel that they did not have to work at the game, saying they recognized that some "may have concerns".
On earlier in the week, local authorities stated it backed the ban and designated the fixture as "potentially dangerous" according to intelligence and previous incidents.
That included "serious fights and bigotry-related acts" among the Dutch team and followers prior to a game in Amsterdam in November 2024, when numerous persons were detained.
There have been demonstrations at several athletic competitions regarding the war in Gaza, for instance when Israel faced Norway and the European team in recent qualification games.
Associated subjects
- Soccer
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Published2 days ago
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IssuedMid-August
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