🔗 Share this article Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off Due to Serious Unrest Bloomfield Stadium in the city was filled with haze before the planned kick-off Issued 19 October 2025, 22:27 BST Updated 9 minutes ago The Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned ahead of the start on the weekend, following what police described as "crowd trouble and serious disturbances". "Numerous of smoke grenades and fireworks were set off," Israeli police stated on online platforms, noting "this is not a match, it constitutes unrest and serious violence". A dozen individuals and three police personnel were injured, officials confirmed, while nine people were taken into custody and numerous others detained for questioning. The disturbances come just a brief period after officials in the United Kingdom stated that supporters of the team ought to be banned to go to the international tournament game at Aston Villa in the UK next month because of safety concerns. Hapoel Tel Aviv censured the derby cancellation, accusing authorities of "gearing up for a battle, rather than a sporting event", including during discussions in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited match. "The disturbing events around the arena and following the reckless and outrageous ruling not to hold the game only demonstrate that the law enforcement has assumed command over the football," the club said in a statement. Their rivals has not yet commented, only acknowledging the fixture was abandoned. The judgment by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to prohibit club followers from the English fixture on November 6 has triggered broad condemnation. The UK government has subsequently stated it is attempting to reverse the restriction and exploring what further support might be needed to make certain the match can be conducted securely. The English club informed their security personnel that they did not have to work at the fixture, explaining they acknowledged that some "could be worried". On Thursday, law enforcement said it endorsed the restriction and designated the match as "concerning" based on information and previous incidents. That included "physical confrontations and bigotry-related acts" between the Dutch team and their supporters before a match in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when more than 60 people were taken into custody. There have been demonstrations at various athletic competitions over the situation in Gaza, for instance when Israel competed against Norway and the European team in current football World Cup qualifiers. Connected themes The sport Further coverage Track your team with game reports Published recently Listen to the latest football podcast Receive sports updates transmitted immediately to your phone Released 16 August