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Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv And Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned before a ball was kicked on Sunday night after a violent clash between rival fans and police.
Social media footage showed that smoke grenades and fireworks were thrown onto the pitch of Tel Aviv’s Bloomfield Stadium, injuring 12 civilians and three police officers.
A police statement said there was also “disorderly conduct” outside the stadium. Nine suspects have been arrested, 16 others have been detained for further questioning, and police have canceled the match citing “danger to human life”.
This incident has come to light three days after that much talked about call Matkabi from taking part in next month’s Europa League matches Aston Villa In Birmingham, following a decision by Birmingham’s Security Advisory Group (SAG).
An Israeli police statement on Sunday’s events said: “Disorderly conduct, rioting, 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 view of the disturbance and threat to human life ahead of the scheduled football match at Bloomfield Stadium, israel The police have informed the teams, team management and referee that a decision has been taken not to allow the match to take place.
“We call on fans to remain in place until a peaceful and orderly dispersal occurs.”
A statement from Maccabi said: “Following the police decision, it was determined that the Tel Aviv derby will not take place tonight.”
Online footage also showed stones being thrown onto the pitch from the stands, with a total of 51 flares and smoke bombs believed to have been used.
The police announced the cancellation of the match 20 minutes after the scheduled time of 8:30 pm, even though about 25,000 spectators were present in the stands for the much-awaited match.