The city derby between Hapoel and Maccabi Tel Aviv had to be canceled at short notice over the weekend due to riots. According to reports, there were several injuries.
The match between the two local rivals was supposed to be played on Sunday at Bloomfield Stadium, which is used by both clubs. However, after serious riots broke out before kick-off, the police instructed the two clubs to cancel the game due to safety concerns in order to prevent a feared further escalation. Rioters had set off several pyrotechnic devices in the stadium and thrown them onto the pitch. Players who were already warming up on the pitch were asked by the referees to return to the dressing rooms. Initially, the kick-off was postponed, but after the situation failed to calm down, it was decided to cancel the match.
According to Israeli media reports, at least 29 people were injured in the riots. According to the Times of Israel, this included three law enforcement officers, and a 13-year-old child is said to have suffered serious injuries. The police initially arrested 40 suspects, 13 of whom are still in custody. A police spokesperson was quoted as saying that “this was not a soccer game, but a disturbance of public order and serious violence.”
Exclusion of Maccabi fans draws criticism
Just three days ago, UEFA decided that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans would not be allowed to travel to Aston Villa for the Europa League match on November 6.
The ban was imposed by local authorities due to concerns about security outside the stadium. Both the British and Israeli governments criticized the fan ban. Maccabi Tel Aviv is the reigning champion in Israel and is the only team in the first division that is still undefeated. With one game in hand, they are now four points behind league leaders Hapoel Beer Sheva.
Maccabi has earned one point in the Europa League so far and will host FC Midtjylland on the third matchday this Thursday (9 p.m.). On the last matchday of the league phase, Maccabi Tel Aviv will face VfB Stuttgart on December 11.
