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 said, while nine people were arrested and 16 detained for questioning.
The unrest comes just days after officials in the UK said that Maccabi fans should not be allowed to attend the Europa League match at Aston Villa in England next month because of safety concerns.
Hapoel Tel Aviv criticized the derby cancellation, accusing Israeli police of preparing for a war, not a sporting event, including during discussions leading up to the highly anticipated match.
The shocking events outside the stadium and following the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the match only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport, Hapoel said in a statement on X.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has yet to comment, except to confirm the match was cancelled.
The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the Aston Villa match on November 6 has sparked widespread criticism. The UK government has said it is working to overturn the ban and is exploring additional resources required to ensure the fixture can be hosted safely.
Villa informed their matchday stewards that they did not need to work at the game, acknowledging that some may have concerns.
West Midlands Police classified the Aston Villa match as high risk based on intelligence and previous incidents, including violence and hate crime during a past match in Amsterdam involving Maccabi Tel Aviv. Protests at sporting events related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza have also persisted.
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 said, while nine people were arrested and 16 detained for questioning.
The unrest comes just days after officials in the UK said that Maccabi fans should not be allowed to attend the Europa League match at Aston Villa in England next month because of safety concerns.
Hapoel Tel Aviv criticized the derby cancellation, accusing Israeli police of preparing for a war, not a sporting event, including during discussions leading up to the highly anticipated match.
The shocking events outside the stadium and following the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the match only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport, Hapoel said in a statement on X.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has yet to comment, except to confirm the match was cancelled.
The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the Aston Villa match on November 6 has sparked widespread criticism. The UK government has said it is working to overturn the ban and is exploring additional resources required to ensure the fixture can be hosted safely.
Villa informed their matchday stewards that they did not need to work at the game, acknowledging that some may have concerns.
West Midlands Police classified the Aston Villa match as high risk based on intelligence and previous incidents, including violence and hate crime during a past match in Amsterdam involving Maccabi Tel Aviv. Protests at sporting events related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza have also persisted.
