Maccabi Tel Aviv have distanced themselves from the disruption which led to the cancellation of the derby match against Hapoel before kick-off on Sunday, ahead of their trip to Aston Villa in November.
Maccabi fans are barred from attending the Europa League match at Villa next month due to security concerns, a decision which was heavily criticized last week by a number of politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
A spokesperson for Number 10 Downing Street said on Friday that discussions were taking place “at pace, across government” to overturn the ban.
Sunday’s Tel Aviv derby was called off before kick-off, with reports of smoke grenades and flares being fired, but Maccabi insists its supporters did nothing to contribute to the match’s cancellation.
Maccabi Tel Aviv sends statement after riots cancel local derby
A club spokesperson told the PA news agency: “Maccabi Tel Aviv FC would like to clarify that the reason given for the cancellation of yesterday’s derby match hosted by Hapoel Tel Aviv FC – contrary to what was reported by some (foreign) media – was the result of flares being thrown onto the pitch by supporters of our opponent, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and not by the visiting Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. »
West Midlands Police said last week they supported the local security advisory group’s decision to ban visiting supporters from the Europa League match against Villa, after classifying the match as “high risk”.
They said the decision was “based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crimes that occurred during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Amsterdam.”
The match at Villa Park takes place against a backdrop of ongoing tension in the Middle East.
The Fare Network, which reports incidents of discrimination at national team matches and European competitions to UEFA, told PA it was “reluctant to question” the decision to ban Maccabi supporters and added that Maccabi fans were “well known for their racism”.
PA understands that Fare has made several reports about discriminatory behavior by Maccabi fans inside stadiums over the past 10 years.
Maccabi is aware of Fare’s comments but has not yet commented on them or the Birmingham authorities’ decision to exclude his supporters.
Hapoel released a statement on its website regarding the cancellation of Sunday’s derby, criticizing the police for “preparing for a war and not a sporting event.”
“The shocking events outside the stadium and the reckless and scandalous decision not to stage the match only show that the Israeli police have taken control of the industry,” Hapoel said.
“When we asked for explanations in real time, we were met with a contemptuous and humiliating attitude.
“It goes without saying that the club management condemns all manifestations of violence and will combat offenders, even if they are wearing uniforms.”
Israeli media reported that Tel Aviv police arrested five people on suspicion of disturbing public order and that 51 flares or smoke bombs were thrown into the field.
