Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Cancelled After Violent Riots
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was engulfed by smoke ahead of the planned kick-off
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The domestic football league derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned ahead of the start on Sunday, due to what police described as "public disorder and violent riots".
"Many of smoke devices and pyrotechnic devices were launched," authorities posted on social media, noting "this isn't a match, this is disorder and serious violence".
A dozen people and multiple law enforcement members were injured, officials confirmed, while multiple persons were taken into custody and numerous others questioned by police.
The clashes happen just a brief period after officials in the United Kingdom said that supporters of the team ought to be banned to be present at the Europa League match at Aston Villa in England next month because of security issues.
One team censured the match postponement, claiming authorities of "gearing up for a battle, instead of a football match", even during discussions in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited fixture.
"The shocking events around the venue and following the reckless and scandalous decision to abandon the fixture only show that the authorities has assumed command over the football," the club said in a statement.
The other team has remained silent, only acknowledging the match was cancelled.
The ruling by security authorities to ban the team's supporters from the Aston Villa match on the sixth of November has triggered extensive disapproval.
The government officials has since said it is seeking to cancel the restriction and considering what further support might be needed to ensure the match can be conducted securely.
Villa informed their matchday stewards that they were not required to attend at the match, stating they understood that some "might feel uneasy".
On the previous day, law enforcement confirmed it backed the prohibition and categorized the match as "concerning" according to intelligence and earlier occurrences.
That involved "serious fights and bigotry-related acts" between the Dutch team and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ahead of a match in the Netherlands in November 2024, when over sixty individuals were taken into custody.
There have been rallies at various games concerning the conflict in Gaza, including when the national team played the Scandinavian team and Italy in current international matches.
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Published16 August
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