UK POLICE are speaking to the Israeli authorities to understand what role, if any, Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters played in the disturbances which led to the cancellation of the Tel Aviv derby on Sunday.

Maccabi fans were last week barred from the Europa League tie against Aston Villa in Birmingham on November 6 by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) amid safety concerns connected to the fixture.

On Sunday the Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off by police before kick-off.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said today the government “absolutely recognised” police concerns around previous incidents in Europe where Maccabi had played and also added: “We acknowledge events over the last few days and we condemn any violent behaviour.”

The spokesman added: “We understand the UK Football Policing Unit are reaching out to their Israeli counterparts to gain an understanding of what happened at last night’s match in Tel Aviv.

“But as we’ve said, we want to ensure that all fans can enjoy the Aston Villa game safely early next month.”

Maccabi have distanced themselves from the disturbances which led to the derby being called off. There were reports of smoke grenades and flares being thrown, but Maccabi insist their supporters did nothing to contribute to the game’s cancellation.

A club spokesperson told the PA news agency: “Maccabi Tel Aviv FC would like to clarify that the reason given for the cancellation of the derby match hosted yesterday by Hapoel Tel Aviv FC — unlike as reported by some [foreign] media — was as a result of flares thrown on to the pitch by fans of our opponent Hapoel Tel Aviv, not visiting fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv.”

The match at Villa Park takes place against the backdrop of ongoing tension in the Middle East.

The Fare network, which reports incidents of discrimination to Uefa from national team and European competition matches, told PA last week it was “reluctant to question” the decision to bar Maccabi fans and added that Maccabi fans were “well known for their racism.”

A joint statement from the chairmen of the Israeli Football Association and the Israeli Professional Football Leagues said the cancellation of the Tel Aviv derby was due to the “criminal behaviour of a sickening handful of offenders.”

Media reports in Israel said Tel Aviv police arrested five people on suspicion of disturbing public order and that 51 flares or smoke bombs had been thrown on to the pitch.