Tel Aviv Derby Called Off Following Major Disturbances
Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was engulfed by smoke prior to the anticipated start
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The domestic football league rivalry match between one local team and their city rivals was cancelled prior to kick-off on the weekend, after what law enforcement labeled as "civil unrest and major clashes".
"Numerous of smoke devices and pyrotechnic devices were thrown," law enforcement announced on online platforms, noting "this isn't a match, this is unrest and major hostilities".
Twelve individuals and multiple law enforcement members were harmed, officials confirmed, while nine people were arrested and 16 held for interrogation.
The clashes occur just a brief period after authorities in the United Kingdom stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to attend the Europa League match at Aston Villa in the UK in November because of safety concerns.
The local club censured the game abandonment, accusing authorities of "gearing up for a battle, rather than a sporting event", including during meetings in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited fixture.
"The disturbing events near the venue and after the reckless and unacceptable decision not to hold the match only show that the law enforcement has taken control of the football," the club said in a statement.
Their rivals has declined to speak, only acknowledging the match was cancelled.
The ruling by security authorities to exclude the team's supporters from the Aston Villa match on November 6 has sparked broad condemnation.
The government officials has later announced it is attempting to reverse the restriction and considering what further support might be necessary to ensure the match can be held without incident.
Aston Villa told their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the fixture, stating they understood that some "might feel uneasy".
On Thursday, local authorities confirmed it supported the prohibition and classified the fixture as "high risk" according to intelligence and previous incidents.
That included "physical confrontations and discrimination incidents" involving the Dutch team and followers ahead of a match in the Dutch capital in the previous year, when numerous persons were taken into custody.
There have been protests at various sporting events concerning the situation in Gaza, including when Israel competed against Norway and the European team in current international matches.
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PublishedAugust 16
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