Bilbao vs Hapoel Kiryat game postponed

NYON, Switzerland - The Associated Press

A Europa League game in Israel was called off yesterday because of the violence between Israeli forces and the Hamas group in Gaza.

UEFA cited “the tense security situation in the region” for postponing tonight’s match in Haifa between Hapoel Kiryat Shmona and Spanish side Athletic Bilbao.

UEFA said a decision on rescheduling the match will be made by the end of the week.

UEFA did not say whether it would go ahead with the planned draw in Tel Aviv next week for the Under-21 European Championship.

Israel is to host the eight-nation tournament next June. UEFA President Michel Platini has planned to attend the draw along with officials from competing nations including England, Germany, Italy, Russia and Spain.

Athletic Bilbao had been scheduled to fly to Israel yesterday for the group-stage Europa League match. Athletic spokesman Xavier Fernandez said UEFA called the club and informed it that “due to the circumstances currently prevailing in Israel, the match was not to go ahead.”