A Maccabi statement read: “Following the police’s decision, it was determined that the Tel Aviv derby will not take place tonight.” Maccabi distanced themselves from disturbances and claimed the postponement “was as a result of flares thrown on to the pitch by fans of our opponent Hapoel.” It came after Maccabi supporters were informed last week that they would not be allowed to attend November’s Europa League game against Aston Villa in Birmingham. Birmingham’s safety advisory group – made up of local stakeholders, West Midlands police and event organisers – said the decision had been made due to a high risk of violence our police banned them a week before this happend
