A derby match between Tel Aviv’s two largest football clubs was called off last night after “violent riots” broke out among supporters, according to local police.
Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv were due to clash in the Israeli Premier League, but fans flooding into Bloomfield Stadium, which both teams call home, were met with smoke grenades and batons.
Nine people were arrested in what police called “disturbances and violent riots”, with 16 people –including three police officers – injured by pyrotechnics.
"These are very serious incidents that posed a real danger to the lives of police officers and civilians,” a spokesperson added.
Likewise, a statement from Maccabi read: “Following the police's decision, it was determined that the Tel Aviv derby will not take place tonight.”
However, in a strongly-worded statement, Hapoel accused the police of exacerbating the incident, saying: “From the preliminary discussions prior to the match, it appears that the police were preparing for war rather than a sporting event.
"Most of the injuries from the event were caused by brutal police violence at the end of the game, as a direct result of the scandalous decision to cancel the event.
"Everyone saw the disturbing videos of children being trampled by horses and police officers indiscriminately beating fans.”
The Israel Police is yet to respond to Hapoel’s allegations.
It comes after the emergence of a bitter political row in the UK following West Midlands Police’s decision to bar Maccabi fans from attending the team’s Europa League contest against Aston Villa next month.
Authorities cited security concerns, including the scenes surrounding the Israeli side’s match against Ajax in Amsterdam last year, when its fans were hunted and beaten by locals.
But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticised the move, saying "we will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets" and that the role of police was "to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation".
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded the decision a "national disgrace" and suggested Sir Keir should act to reverse it.
Government sources told the JC that Number 10 was looking at potential measures to reverse the ban.
However, officials have stressed that the decision ultimately lies with the independent local police force. A decision is reportedly expected to be taken early this week.
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