Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv Derby Canceled Due to Safety Concerns
In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated derby match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv has been canceled due to safety concerns following a recent ban on Maccabi fans attending games. The match was set to take place on Sunday night at Bloomfield Stadium but was called off after police deemed the conditions unsafe.
Prior to the scheduled kick-off, police officials reported that the atmosphere at the stadium was too dangerous for the match to continue. This decision came after incidents involving pyrotechnics set off by supporters, which led to injuries among both police personnel and fans. According to reports from Israeli Police, three officers and five supporters sustained injuries during these disturbances.
A police spokesperson stated, "What occurred was not a football match, but a situation of significant disorder and violence." Consequently, law enforcement informed both clubs and match officials that the game could not proceed.
About 20 minutes after the scheduled 8:30 PM start time, the Israel Professional Football Leagues Association confirmed the cancellation, as the stadium remained filled with smoke from the pyrotechnics. Furthermore, confrontations among supporters were reported outside the stadium, resulting in five arrests and several temporary detentions for unlawful assembly.
This cancellation comes on the heels of a controversial decision to ban Maccabi fans from attending their upcoming UEFA Europa League match against Aston Villa. For public safety reasons, no traveling supporters will be allowed entry at Villa Park. Aston Villa released an official statement noting, "The club has been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match on November 6, following directives from the Safety Advisory Group."
The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) is responsible for issuing safety certificates for all matches at Villa Park, taking various physical and safety factors into consideration. Following advice from West Midlands Police, the SAG expressed concerns regarding public safety outside the stadium and the potential for protests that night.
As the situation unfolds, both clubs and their supporters hope for a swift resolution to the safety issues, allowing for a safe and enjoyable atmosphere in future matches.
