Violent Riots Prompt Cancellation of Tel Aviv Football Derby; Nine Arrested
The anticipated Tel Aviv football derby between Hapoel and Maccabi was abruptly cancelled due to violent riots that erupted prior to the match. Israeli police confirmed that nine individuals were arrested during the chaos, which posed significant safety risks to the public.
Details of the Incident
The derby was scheduled for Sunday night at Bloomfield Stadium, a venue used by both teams. Police stated that the game was cancelled “following disturbances and risks to human life.”
- Time and Date: Sunday night
- Location: Bloomfield Stadium, Tel Aviv
- Arrests: Nine individuals apprehended
- Injuries: Twelve civilians and three police officers injured
As the riots unfolded, dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were hurled onto the pitch. Footage from the scene illustrated significant unrest, showing projectiles being thrown and arrests being made.
Response from Football Clubs
Maccabi Tel Aviv issued a statement confirming the match’s cancellation following the police’s decision. The club acknowledged the serious safety concerns raised during these disturbances.
Implications for Upcoming Matches
In a related development, Maccabi supporters were informed they could not attend an upcoming Europa League game against Aston Villa in Birmingham. This restriction was implemented by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group, citing a high risk of violence based on current intelligence and prior incidents.
The local authorities, including representatives from the council and police, emphasized their willingness to explore what additional resources could enable “all fans” to attend future matches safely.
