Hapoel-Maccabi derby interrupted after flares erupt in the stands / News - Basketnews.com

Hapoel fans lit a series of flares that resulted in a huge amount of smoke that captured the entire Drive in Arena. Due to poor visibility, the game had to be postponed as both teams left for their respective locker rooms.

Credit: Twitter/YoYoavdekel, Twitter/habachoor Credit Twitter/YoYoavdekel, Twitter/habachoor

The Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv in the Israeli League finals could not start at the scheduled time due to fan activity.

Points this season

50%88,0Points made:88,0Accuracy:50,4%Place in standings:1Record max:108Record min:64Best scorer:Jordan McRaeTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

Before the start of Game 2 of the final series, Hapoel fans lit a series of flares that created a spectacular view. However, it caused the game to be interrupted.

The smoke from the flares encapsulated the entire Drive in Arena, and the players weren't able to play as the visibility was highly impaired.

Both teams left for their respective locker rooms. There are currently no updates on when the game could be resumed. The match should have started at 20:15 CET.

Both teams were shooting around without a clear idea when the game could be resumed for more than half an hour. After 45 minutes, the game officially started.

"I am very saddened by the sight of the opening of the derby. This thing cannot continue and I will act in every way to stop this phenomenon," the league's chairman Ari Shteinberg said, via Tomer Givati. "I'm calling for harsher punishments for the rioters who ruin our sport."

The Hapoel-Maccabi derbies have been known for their extremes.The two teams have been competing against each other since 1954 and have faced off over 200 times in their storied history.

Last year, the Hapoel organizationreceived a fine for fan conductduring the Tel Aviv derby, while Scottie Wilbekin claimed thathe loves Israel more than Hapoel fansthemselves. At times, the local police have to get involved, as was the case during the first head-to-head battle this year whenHapoel fans clashed with the authorities.

Hapoel fans have had a chant of 'Let the be Shoah for Maccabi' with 'shoah' being the Hebrew for the holocaust. They also have chants toward Maccabi chairman Shimon Mizrahi and athletic trainer Regev Fanan.

The club's supporters have been prosecuted and heavily fined multiple times for the chant both in basketball and football games. As such, the chants have been almost eradicated in recent years.

Maccabi won the first game of the series 90-79 on Thursday, June 8th.

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