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Share or comment on this article: Tel Aviv football derby is cancelled over 'risk to human lives' as 'violent riots break out at stadium': Pressure mounts over Israeli fans being banned from Aston Villa

The Tel Aviv football derby has been cancelled over the 'risk to human lives' after riots broke out inside and outside the stadium.

The match was thrown into chaos on Sunday night as violence broke out among the fans at Bloomfield Stadium, forcing police to call off the high-profile clash between Hapoel and Maccabi.

Israeli police confirmed that the game was cancelled 'following disturbances and risks to human life' after ugly scenes erupted before kick-off leading to the arrest of nine people.

In a statement, officers said: 'Dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown, injuring 12 civilians and three police officers.