Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Called Off After Violent Riots
The sports venue in the city was engulfed by haze before the scheduled kick-off
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The Israeli Premier League derby between one local team and their city rivals was abandoned prior to the start on Sunday, after what law enforcement described as "civil unrest and violent riots".
"Dozens of smoke bombs and fireworks were thrown," authorities stated on digital channels, noting "this is not a sporting event, it constitutes unrest and significant aggression".
A dozen individuals and several police personnel were harmed, police said, while several individuals were arrested and numerous others held for interrogation.
The disturbances come just a brief period after representatives in the United Kingdom stated that supporters of the team ought to be banned to be present at the international tournament match at the Birmingham team in the UK in November because of security issues.
The local club censured the match postponement, claiming Israeli police of "getting ready for a conflict, not a football match", even during meetings in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited match.
"The shocking events near the arena and due to the reckless and scandalous ruling to cancel the game only prove that the authorities has seized authority in the football," the team announced publicly.
The other team has remained silent, except to confirm the fixture was abandoned.
The decision by security authorities to ban club followers from the English fixture on November 6 has sparked broad condemnation.
The government officials has subsequently stated it is working to overturn the ban and investigating what further support might be needed to guarantee the game can be hosted safely.
The English club told their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the match, stating they understood that some "could be worried".
On Thursday, law enforcement said it endorsed the restriction and designated the match as "high risk" due to reports and past events.
That included "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" involving the Dutch team and their supporters prior to a match in Amsterdam in late 2024, when more than 60 people were arrested.
There have been rallies at several games over the conflict in Gaza, such as when the national team faced Norway and Italy in recent international matches.
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Additional reports
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Published48 hours prior
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IssuedAugust 16
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