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Israeli police arrest 10 people after Tel Aviv derby pitch invasion

Ten people have been arrested by Israeli police after a pitch invasion during Monday night's derby between Hapoel and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The trouble began when a Hapoel fan ran onto the pitch and attempted to punch Maccabi midfielder Eran Zahavi, who fought back and was sent off by the referee.

Soon afterwards, more fans invaded the playing area and were intercepted by security guards before the game was called off after 33 minutes.

Luba Samri, a police spokeswoman, confirmed news of the arrests on Tuesday, AFP reported.

The incident prompted justice minister Tzipi Livni said to say the cases were being treated as criminal and warn that football violence was becoming a "national plague."