Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off Following Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was engulfed by haze ahead of the planned beginning
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The domestic football league local clash featuring one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off ahead of commencement on Sunday, following what police characterized as "crowd trouble and major clashes".
"Dozens of smoke devices and flares were set off," Israeli police posted on online platforms, noting "this cannot be considered a match, this is unrest and serious violence".
A dozen people and several police personnel were hurt, police said, while multiple persons were arrested and sixteen detained for questioning.
The clashes occur just a short time after representatives in the Britain announced that followers of the club cannot be permitted to be present at the European competition game at the English club in England the following month because of safety concerns.
The local club censured the match postponement, claiming law enforcement of "getting ready for a battle, instead of a football match", including during talks in the preparation to the much-expected encounter.
"The shocking events around the arena and due to the reckless and outrageous ruling not to hold the fixture only prove that the law enforcement has assumed command over the sport," the team stated officially.
Their rivals has not yet commented, only acknowledging the fixture was abandoned.
The decision by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to exclude the team's supporters from the Birmingham game on November 6 has triggered widespread criticism.
The UK government has subsequently stated it is working to overturn the prohibition and investigating what additional resources might be required to guarantee the fixture can be hosted safely.
The English club informed their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the game, saying they recognized that some "may have concerns".
On the previous day, local authorities said it supported the restriction and designated the game as "potentially dangerous" due to reports and past events.
That involved "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" among Ajax and followers prior to a game in Amsterdam in late 2024, when over sixty individuals were arrested.
There have been demonstrations at several sporting events regarding the situation in Gaza, such as when the national team competed against the Scandinavian team and the European team in latest football World Cup qualifiers.
Associated subjects
- Football
Additional reports
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Released2 days ago
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PublishedMid-August
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