The Tel Aviv football derby has been cancelled over the 'risk to human lives' after riots broke out inside and outside the stadium. Israeli teams Hapoel and Maccabi were set to meet on Sunday, but local police had to intervene after ugly scenes erupted before kick-off.
The news comes ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv's trip to Aston Villa in the Europa League. The Premier League outfit will be playing host to the Israeli side on November 6, but the city’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) requested that away fans be banned from attending due to safety concerns.
Villa confirmed this would be the case, but the decision has been hit with strong criticism, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar calling it a 'shameful decision'. English Prime Minister Kier Starmer suggested that 'antisemitism' played a part in the call, while the government officials have since released a statement after talks to reverse a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Villa Park
Israeli Derby Called Off Amid Injured Civilians and Police Officers
Despite the strong response from Starmer and co, fears from West Midlands Police (WMP) regarding the Maccabi away fans come with some justification.
When the Israeli side travelled to Amsterdam to face Ajax last November, Dutch police had to have an additional presence of 800 officers placed on duty. Despite that, 62 people were still arrested following clashes, which saw five hospitalised, a taxi attacked, and a Palestinian flag set on fire.
Adding to this, per the Daily Mail, the Tel Aviv football derby was cancelled over the weekend, due to 'disturbances and the endangerment of human lives'. In a statement, officers said:
"Dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown, injuring 12 civilians and three police officers. Forces at the scene arrested nine suspects and detained 16 others for questioning."
Footage shared by the police shows the unruly scenes, with flares and projectiles being hurled onto the pitch as supporters clashed with riot officers. The issues were evident on the streets outside the stadium.
The game was set to take place in front of more than 29,000 fans at the shared Bloomfield Stadium. Tension was perhaps added to the spectacle as it was the first derby in more than a year following Hapoel's promotion back up to the Israeli top-flight.
A spokesperson for Maccabi Tel Aviv said: "Following the police's decision, it was determined that the Tel Aviv derby will not take place tonight."
Per the Mail, witnesses described 'scenes of pandemonium' as fans from both sides ignited fireworks, smoke bombs and threw stones from the stands. Players were initially ordered back to the dressing rooms before the match was officially abandoned amid escalating violence. A police spokesperson noted:
"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 scenes will surely help justify the argument for keeping Macabee fans away from Villa Park next month due to safety concerns. But it remains to be seen if the original ban will be overturned following British government input.