The highly-anticipated derby clash between arch-rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv had to be suspended after violent riots broke out among supporters that led to “endangerment of human lives”. Several members of local police forces suffered injuries after becoming caught up in chaotic scenes prior to the game in question getting underway, with a number of arrests being made.
What happened in Tel Aviv?
reports that five supporters were arrested on suspicion of disturbing the peace, rioting, throwing bottles and assaulting police officers, with a further 13 being detained for forming part of an illegal gathering.
Smoke grenades and fireworks were thrown by those in the crowd at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, leading to the game having to be cancelled. That decision was made as a result of “serious disorder” playing out. Israeli police announced that three officers and five fans had been hurt by pyrotechnics. Another five supporters were left nursing injuries, with the Tel Aviv district commander, Haim Sargof, stating that postponement was the only course of action due to increased safety fears.
AdvertisementWhy was the derby match postponed?
Video footage captured inside the stadium shows the pitch being engulfed by red and white smoke generated by the pyrotechnics. Supporters from both clubs were involved in the throwing of flares and smoke bombs onto the field, with 51 said to have been tossed in that direction. Stones were also thrown onto the playing surface by those in the stands.
Maccabi and Hapoel players were sent back to the dressing rooms before an official postponement announcement was made. That came at around 8:50pm local time – 20 minutes after the match in question was due to get underway.
What a police spokersperson said
A police spokesperson said: “Disorderly conduct, riots, object throwing, smoke grenades, fireworks, injured police officers, and damage to stadium infrastructure — this is not a football match, this is a serious public disturbance and violence.
“In light of the disturbances and the endangerment of human lives ahead of the scheduled football match at Bloomfield stadium, the Israel police has informed the teams, team management, and referees that it has been decided not to allow the match to take place. We call on the fans to remain in place until a calm and orderly dispersal takes place.”
The Israel Professional Football League Association later confirmed the fixture had been delayed indefinitely, with no date for the rearranged contest being agreed as yet. Months of planning had taken place behind the scenes ahead of an eagerly-anticipated derby encounter, with the Jerusalem Post reporting on how 25,000 spectators created “an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation for a derby that hadn’t been played in over a year”.
Getty Images SportWill Maccabi fans attend game at Villa Park?
The incident in Tel Aviv comes in the wake of an announcement that Maccabi fans are currently banned from travelling to England for a Europa League clash with Aston Villa on November 6. The UK government is exploring ways to overturn that decision, with talks being held regarding extra support for police in Birmingham.
The city’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) made that decision, but they are facing mounting pressure to find a solution that allows supporters to visit Villa Park. A meeting of the SAG is expected to be held in the coming days.
The Home Office spokesperson has said: “No one should be stopped from watching a football game simply because of who they are.” They added that efforts are being made to ensure that the European fixture can “safely go ahead with all fans present”.
Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, has told Sky News that the government cannot promise “come what may” that Maccabi supporters will be granted permission to attend the match. Ministers are, however, “working towards” ensuring the ban on travelling fans will be lifted. Discussions with police, council workers and other authorities will continue until a definitive decision is reached.