The Tel Aviv football derby between Hapoel and Maccabi has been called off after rioting and \u201crisks to human life\u201d, Israeli police said.<\/p>\n
The match was due to take place on Sunday night at Bloomfield Stadium, a ground the two sides share, as a home fixture for Hapoel.<\/p>\n
Footage shared by the police shows projectiles and flares being thrown on to the pitch, as well as unrest outside the stadium.<\/p>\n
The Israeli police said it had made nine arrests and brought 16 others in for questioning after the game was cancelled \u201cfollowing disturbances\u201d and its officers had been injured in \u201cserious violence\u201d.<\/p>\n
A statement posted on X said: \u201cDisorderly conduct, riots, injured police officers and damage to infrastructure \u2013 this is not a soccer game, this is a breach of order and serious violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have notified the teams and the team\u2019s management and the referees that it has decided not to allow the holding of the game at Bloomfield.<\/p>\n
It added: \u201cDozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown, injuring 12 civilians and three police officers. Forces at the scene arrested nine suspects and detained 16 others for questioning.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Maccabi statement read: \u201cFollowing the police\u2019s decision, it was determined that the Tel Aviv derby will not take place tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
It came after Maccabi supporters were informed<\/a> last week that they would not be allowed to attend November\u2019s Europa League game against Aston Villa in Birmingham.<\/p>\n Birmingham\u2019s safety advisory group \u2013 made up of local stakeholders, West Midlands police and event organisers \u2013 said the decision had been made due to a high risk of violence based on \u201ccurrent intelligence and previous incidents\u201d.<\/p>\n The decision caused political uproar, with the prime minister, Keir Starmer, condemning the move<\/a> on Thursday and several figures urging for the ban to be lifted.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets,\u201d he said. \u201cThe role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.\u201d<\/p>\n