Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed After Serious Unrest
Bloomfield Stadium in the city was covered in haze prior to the planned start
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The domestic football league derby featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled before kick-off on Sunday, following what authorities labeled as "civil unrest and major clashes".
"Numerous of smoke grenades and flares were thrown," Israeli police announced on digital channels, noting "this is not a match, it constitutes unrest and major hostilities".
Twelve people and several law enforcement members were hurt, police said, while several individuals were arrested and sixteen held for interrogation.
The unrest happen just days after authorities in the United Kingdom said that followers of the club cannot be permitted to go to the Europa League match at the Birmingham team in England the following month because of security issues.
One team condemned the match postponement, alleging law enforcement of "preparing for a battle, rather than a game", including during talks in the build-up to the much-expected encounter.
"The alarming events near the arena and due to the ill-considered and outrageous decision not to hold the match only show that the authorities has seized authority in the sport," the club said in a statement.
The other team has declined to speak, except to confirm the match was cancelled.
The judgment by the local safety committee to ban the team's supporters from the English fixture on 6 November has provoked broad condemnation.
The British authorities has later announced it is working to overturn the prohibition and considering what extra measures might be necessary to ensure the fixture can be held without incident.
Villa informed their matchday stewards that they were not required to attend at the match, stating they acknowledged that some "might feel uneasy".
On Thursday, local authorities confirmed it supported the prohibition and designated the game as "concerning" according to information and previous incidents.
That involved "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" among Ajax and their supporters ahead of a match in the Netherlands in the previous year, when numerous persons were arrested.
There have been protests at several games concerning the conflict in Gaza, including when the national team faced Norway and the European team in recent international matches.
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Published48 hours prior
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Issued16 August
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