120 arrested, 2 police wounded in massive Tel Aviv soccer riot

In videos posted to social media, horse-mounted police officers are seen beating members of the throng with batons, as fans hurl objects at the cops.

By World Israel News Staff

At least 120 people were arrested in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening during a high-stakes match between the coastal city’s two soccer teams, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv, who are bitter rivals.

Police and fans clashed outside of Tel Aviv’s Bloomfield Stadium – the home arena for both teams – as thousands attempted to enter the site.

According to Hebrew-language media reports, a raid earlier on the day of a fan clubhouse unearthed numerous weapons, including airsoft guns, steel bars and chemical sprays, along with banned pyrotechnics such as fireworks, which were intended for use during the evening match.

Following the discovery, police doubled down on searches of fans entering the stadium, slowing down the entrance to the game and sparking ire among spectators.

“During the security checks, fans started to disturb public order by rioting, throwing objects and attempting to break through the gates,” police said in a statement.

Footage circulating on social media showed hundreds of fans trapped in small corridors and entryways, as authorities decided not to let more fans into the stadium until tensions had cooled.

“Suddenly, in the middle of everyone waiting in line, the police closed the entrance and people were crushed together like sardines,” a witness at the scene told Channel 12 News.

“People were shouting, ‘Let me out,’ because they didn’t have air to breathe.”

In other videos posted to social media, horse-mounted police officers are seen beating members of the throng with batons, as fans hurl objects at the cops.

Police said in a statement that two officers were wounded by projectiles that were thrown by fans.

Due to the chaos, the start time of the game was delayed by an hour.

Maccabi scored a sweeping victory over Hapoel, beating their rival 5-0.