Maccabi Tel Aviv’s derby match against Hapoel Tel Aviv has been called off due to Aston Villa’s suspension. The match between Maccabi and Hapoel was scheduled to take place at Bloomfield Stadium on Sunday night, but was canceled due to police concerns.
Before kick-off, police declared the situation at the ground too dangerous to continue after the widespread use of incendiary devices by supporters, injuring police personnel and fans. According to Israeli police, three police officers and five supporters were injured in the incident.
“This was not a football match, but an incident of serious disorder and violence,” police said in a statement.
As a result, Israeli police informed the club and match officials that the match could not be held. ”
The Israel Professional Football League Association subsequently confirmed 20 minutes after the scheduled 8:30pm kick-off time that the match would not continue in accordance with police instructions and the venue remained shrouded in smoke.
Police also confirmed that clashes broke out between supporters outside the stadium, with five people arrested and several briefly detained for unlawful assembly.
This comes after Maccabi fans were controversially banned from attending the next Europa League game against Aston Villa.
No traveling supporters will be allowed inside Villa Park, the decision being taken for public safety reasons.
Aston Villa said in an official statement: “Following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group, Aston Villa can confirm that the club has been informed that away fans will not be allowed to attend the UEFA Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday 6 November.”
“The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) is responsible for issuing safety certificates for all matches at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.
“SAG has formally written to the club and UEFA informing them that away fans will not be permitted to enter Villa Park for this match.
“West Midlands Police have advised SAG that there are security concerns outside Stadium Bowl and that they have the capacity to deal with any protests that may occur that night.”
