Violent Tel Aviv derby clashes expose dangers of lifting UK ban on Maccabi fans

Violent clashes erupted in Tel Aviv during a derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv, forcing the match to be cancelled as rival fans hurled flares and fought inside the stands.

Dozens were injured and police made multiple arrests, with Israeli authorities calling the scenes “one of the worst outbreaks of football violence in years.”

The unrest comes as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushes to overturn a police ban preventing Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their upcoming Europa Conference League match at Aston Villa.

Police imposed the restriction after assessing the fixture as high-risk, citing previous violent incidents involving Maccabi supporters.

Starmer called the ban “the wrong decision” and urged police to ignore the threat, but now critics say the Tel Aviv derby chaos proves the UK authorities were right to prioritise public safety.

Allowing the same fanbase to travel abroad so soon after violent clashes at home, they warn, could put both supporters and local communities at serious risk.

Maccabi supporters were also involved in violent attacks and racial slurs in Amsterdam in November 2024, where Dutch police made several arrests after confrontations with Ajax fans.

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Видео Violent Tel Aviv derby clashes expose dangers of lifting UK ban on Maccabi fans канала Middle East Eye