Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed After Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was filled with smoke prior to the planned start
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The Israeli Premier League rivalry match between one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled ahead of kick-off on Sunday, following what police described as "civil unrest and serious disturbances".
"Many of smoke devices and pyrotechnic devices were thrown," law enforcement posted on digital channels, emphasizing "this is not a sporting event, it represents disorder and serious violence".
Twelve civilians and three officers were hurt, authorities reported, while several individuals were taken into custody and 16 held for interrogation.
The disturbances occur just days after authorities in the United Kingdom said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to be present at the international tournament match at Aston Villa in the UK next month because of public safety worries.
The local club criticised the game abandonment, alleging Israeli police of "gearing up for a conflict, not a sporting event", even during discussions in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated encounter.
"The shocking events near the arena and following the irresponsible and scandalous judgment to abandon the fixture only show that the law enforcement has seized authority in the football," the club said in a statement.
The other team has not yet commented, merely stating the game was called off.
The decision by the local safety committee to exclude the team's supporters from the Birmingham game on 6 November has triggered widespread criticism.
The UK government has since said it is working to overturn the ban and exploring what further support might be necessary to ensure the match can be held without incident.
Villa informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the fixture, explaining they acknowledged that some "might feel uneasy".
On Thursday, West Midlands Police said it backed the restriction and categorized the match as "high risk" due to reports and previous incidents.
That involved "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" involving the Dutch team and their supporters prior to a fixture in the Netherlands in November 2024, when more than 60 people were arrested.
There have been rallies at various sporting events over the conflict in Gaza, for instance when Israel played the Scandinavian team and Italy in latest football World Cup qualifiers.
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Released48 hours prior
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PublishedMid-August
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