Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed After Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was filled with smoke ahead of the scheduled kick-off
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The domestic football league derby between one local team and their city rivals was called off prior to the start on Sunday, due to what law enforcement characterized as "public disorder and major clashes".
"Dozens of smoke grenades and fireworks were launched," law enforcement posted on social media, emphasizing "this cannot be considered a sporting event, it constitutes disorder and serious violence".
A dozen people and several law enforcement members were injured, police said, while nine people were arrested and 16 questioned by police.
The disturbances occur just days after representatives in the UK announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ought to be banned to attend the Europa League fixture at the Birmingham team in England in November because of safety concerns.
The local club censured the match postponement, accusing Israeli police of "gearing up for a war, rather than a football match", even during discussions in the preparation to the much-expected match.
"The disturbing incidents outside the venue and following the ill-considered and outrageous judgment not to hold the match only show that the authorities has assumed command over the football," the club said in a statement.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, merely stating the fixture was abandoned.
The decision by the local safety committee to prohibit the team's supporters from the English fixture on the sixth of November has triggered broad condemnation.
The government officials has since said it is working to overturn the prohibition and exploring what extra measures might be necessary to make certain the fixture can be hosted safely.
Aston Villa informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the match, explaining they recognized that some "might feel uneasy".
On earlier in the week, law enforcement stated it supported the ban and classified the fixture as "high risk" according to information and earlier occurrences.
That included "physical confrontations and bigotry-related acts" involving Ajax and followers prior to a match in the Netherlands in the previous year, when more than 60 people were detained.
There have been demonstrations at various athletic competitions over the conflict in Gaza, for instance when Israel competed against Norway and the European team in latest international matches.
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PublishedAugust 16
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