🔗 Share this article Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed Due to Violent Riots Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was filled with smoke before the scheduled kick-off Published 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Modified moments ago The Israeli Premier League local clash involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned before kick-off on the weekend, due to what law enforcement characterized as "crowd trouble and violent riots". "Numerous of smoke devices and flares were thrown," authorities announced on social media, noting "this cannot be considered a sporting event, it constitutes chaos and serious violence". Twelve individuals and several police personnel were hurt, officials confirmed, while nine people were taken into custody and 16 questioned by police. The disturbances come just a brief period after representatives in the Britain said that supporters of the team cannot be permitted to attend the international tournament match at the English club in England in November because of safety concerns. Hapoel Tel Aviv censured the game abandonment, claiming Israeli police of "gearing up for a war, not a game", particularly during meetings in the lead-up to the much-expected match. "The alarming incidents around the stadium and after the irresponsible and outrageous decision not to hold the match only demonstrate that the law enforcement has taken control of the sport," the club announced publicly. The other team has remained silent, only acknowledging the match was cancelled. The ruling by security authorities to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the English fixture on November 6 has provoked widespread criticism. The UK government has later announced it is attempting to reverse the ban and investigating what further support might be needed to guarantee the match can be hosted safely. Villa informed their stadium staff that they could choose not to participate at the fixture, explaining they acknowledged that some "could be worried". On the previous day, West Midlands Police stated it backed the ban and categorized the match as "concerning" based on information and previous incidents. That involved "serious fights and hate-crime offences" involving the Dutch team and followers prior to a match in the Netherlands in the previous year, when over sixty individuals were arrested. There have been rallies at multiple athletic competitions regarding the conflict in Gaza, for instance when the national team competed against the Scandinavian team and Italy in current international matches. Related topics Football Further coverage Track your team with game reports Posted 48 hours prior Hear the most recent match analysis Obtain match information delivered directly to your phone Released Mid-August