Storm before the derby: Hapoel Tel Aviv fans claim discrimination in Cyprus

Hapoel Tel Aviv fans claim discrimination in Cyprus: they were banned from bringing cheering equipment into the arena in Limassol, while Maccabi fans received permission. Local police are preparing with hundreds of officers, but no independent confirmation of the enforcement difference has been received.

Just before the Tel Aviv derby in the EuroLeague in Limassol, Hapoel Tel Aviv fans claim they were banned from bringing cheering equipment into the arena – drums, flags, and signs – while Maccabi Tel Aviv fans received permission for this. According to the fans, Maccabi personnel explained that this was due to Limassol police directives. However, reports in the Cypriot media indicate a general ban on flags and signs for all fans, without a sweeping mention of drums. Meanwhile, hundreds of police officers and special units are preparing to secure the game, with strict security checks. About 150 tickets were allocated to Hapoel, compared to up to 3,000 for Maccabi. At this stage, no independent confirmation of the enforcement difference has been received.