Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed Due to Serious Unrest
Bloomfield Stadium in the city was filled with haze before the anticipated kick-off
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Issued
The domestic football league local clash featuring one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled prior to the start on the weekend, following what authorities described as "civil unrest and serious disturbances".
"Dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown," authorities stated on social media, emphasizing "this isn't a football game, it constitutes chaos and serious violence".
Twelve civilians and several law enforcement members were hurt, police said, while multiple persons were arrested and numerous others questioned by police.
The unrest occur just a brief period after authorities in the UK announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ought to be banned to go to the international tournament match at the Birmingham team in England next month because of public safety worries.
The local club criticised the derby cancellation, claiming law enforcement of "gearing up for a conflict, not a football match", particularly during meetings in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated match.
"The shocking situations outside the venue and after the reckless and unacceptable decision to abandon the fixture only prove that the Israel Police has assumed command over the football," the team stated officially.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has remained silent, only acknowledging the match was cancelled.
The decision by the local safety committee to ban the team's supporters from the Aston Villa match on 6 November has provoked widespread criticism.
The government officials has later announced it is attempting to reverse the restriction and investigating what additional resources might be necessary to ensure the match can be hosted safely.
The English club told their stadium staff that they could choose not to participate at the game, explaining they acknowledged that some "might feel uneasy".
On earlier in the week, law enforcement confirmed it backed the ban and designated the game as "concerning" according to reports and past events.
That involved "serious fights and hate-crime offences" involving the Dutch team and followers before a fixture in Amsterdam in the previous year, when more than 60 people were taken into custody.
There have been protests at various sporting events regarding the conflict in Gaza, such as when the national team played Norway and Italy in recent international matches.
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- Soccer
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Released48 hours prior
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ReleasedAugust 16
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