Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed Due to Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was filled with haze ahead of the anticipated kick-off
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The domestic football league derby featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was called off prior to kick-off on Sunday, after what police labeled as "civil unrest and serious disturbances".
"Numerous of smoke bombs and fireworks were launched," authorities announced on digital channels, noting "this is not a sporting event, it represents unrest and major hostilities".
Twelve people and three officers were harmed, police said, while several individuals were arrested and numerous others questioned by police.
The unrest come just days after representatives in the Britain said that supporters of the team ought to be banned to be present at the international tournament game at Aston Villa in England in November because of safety concerns.
The local club censured the match postponement, claiming authorities of "gearing up for a conflict, not a game", even during discussions in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited match.
"The disturbing incidents around the arena and due to the ill-considered and outrageous ruling not to hold the fixture only prove that the law enforcement has assumed command over the game," the club announced publicly.
Their rivals has not yet commented, merely stating the match was cancelled.
The judgment by security authorities to ban the team's supporters from the English fixture on November 6 has triggered broad condemnation.
The British authorities has later announced it is attempting to reverse the ban and exploring what extra measures might be necessary to make certain the game can be held without incident.
The English club informed their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the game, stating they recognized that some "might feel uneasy".
On the previous day, West Midlands Police said it supported the restriction and classified the game as "concerning" due to information and past events.
That involved "physical confrontations and hate-crime offences" involving Ajax and followers prior to a game in Amsterdam in November 2024, when more than 60 people were taken into custody.
There have been protests at multiple games concerning the situation in Gaza, such as when the national team faced Norway and the European team in current football World Cup qualifiers.
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Posted2 days ago
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IssuedAugust 16
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