Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed Following Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was covered in smoke before the scheduled beginning
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Released
The Israeli Premier League derby featuring one local team and their city rivals was abandoned ahead of kick-off on the weekend, following what police labeled as "public disorder and violent riots".
"Many of smoke devices and fireworks were thrown," authorities announced on social media, adding "this isn't a sporting event, it represents disorder and serious violence".
A dozen people and three law enforcement members were harmed, authorities reported, while several individuals were arrested and 16 questioned by police.
The disturbances come just days after authorities in the United Kingdom announced that followers of the club ought to be banned to be present at the European competition fixture at Aston Villa in the UK the following month because of security issues.
The local club condemned the game abandonment, alleging law enforcement of "gearing up for a battle, rather than a game", including during meetings in the build-up to the much-expected fixture.
"The alarming events outside the venue and following the irresponsible and unacceptable decision not to hold the game only demonstrate that the law enforcement has taken control of the game," the club announced publicly.
The other team has declined to speak, except to confirm the game was called off.
The judgment by security authorities to ban the team's supporters from the English fixture on 6 November has sparked widespread criticism.
The UK government has later announced it is working to overturn the prohibition and considering what further support might be needed to guarantee the game can be conducted securely.
Aston Villa told their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the fixture, saying they understood that some "could be worried".
On Thursday, local authorities stated it endorsed the ban and designated the fixture as "concerning" based on intelligence and earlier occurrences.
That encompassed "violent clashes and hate-crime offences" among the Dutch team and followers ahead of a game in Amsterdam in November 2024, when numerous persons were detained.
There have been rallies at several sporting events regarding the situation in Gaza, for instance when Israel competed against Norway and the European team in recent international matches.
Associated subjects
- Soccer
Additional reports
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Posted48 hours prior
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PublishedAugust 16
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