Tel Aviv Derby Called Off After Major Disturbances

• Issued
  October 19, 2025 at 10:27 PM BST

The Israeli Premier League derby featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off prior to kick-off on Sunday, due to what law enforcement labeled as "civil unrest and major clashes".

"Numerous of smoke devices and flares were thrown," law enforcement announced on online platforms, emphasizing "this isn't a match, it represents chaos and significant aggression".

Twelve people and three officers were hurt, police said, while multiple persons were taken into custody and numerous others held for interrogation.

The disturbances happen just a short time after authorities in the Britain stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to be present at the international tournament game at the English club in England next month because of safety concerns.

One team condemned the game abandonment, alleging law enforcement of "gearing up for a battle, not a game", particularly during talks in the lead-up to the much-expected fixture.

"The shocking situations near the arena and following the reckless and scandalous judgment not to hold the match only prove that the authorities has assumed command over the sport," the club said in a statement.

The other team has not yet commented, merely stating the fixture was abandoned.

The decision by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to prohibit Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on November 6 has triggered broad condemnation.

The government officials has since said it is seeking to cancel the prohibition and exploring what extra measures might be needed to make certain the fixture can be conducted securely.

Villa informed their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the game, stating they recognized that some "could be worried".

On earlier in the week, law enforcement said it backed the prohibition and categorized the fixture as "high risk" due to reports and earlier occurrences.

That encompassed "physical confrontations and discrimination incidents" involving the Dutch team and followers ahead of a match in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when more than 60 people were taken into custody.

There have been protests at various athletic competitions concerning the conflict in Gaza, for instance when the national team played the Scandinavian team and Italy in recent international matches.

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