The Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled before kick-off on Sunday, after what police described as public disorder and violent riots.
Dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown, Israeli police posted on X, adding, this is not a football game, this is disorder and serious violence. Twelve civilians and three officers were injured, police stated, while nine were arrested and 16 detained for questioning.
The unrest comes just days after officials in the UK expressed concerns about safety, suggesting that Maccabi fans should be banned from attending an upcoming Europa League match at Aston Villa.
Hapoel Tel Aviv criticized the cancellation, accusing the Israeli police of overly militarizing the situation. They stated that the police's preparation seemed more akin to a war than a sporting event, emphasizing that the decision reflected their control over sports in the region. Maccabi Tel Aviv has confirmed the match cancellation but has not issued further comments.
The decision by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to prohibit Maccabi fans from attending the Aston Villa match on November 6 has drawn significant criticism. As tensions continue, the UK government is reportedly working to reverse this ban while ensuring safety measures are in place. It's noted that previous fixtures, such as a UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, have seen excess violence and arrests, prompting further action.
Protests related to the ongoing war in Gaza have also emerged at various sporting events, including the recent World Cup qualifiers where Israel played against Norway and Italy.
