Tel-Aviv Derby Postponed Following Violent Riots

• Released
  19 October 2025, 22:27 BST

The Israeli Premier League local clash between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off ahead of commencement on Sunday, due to what police characterized as "civil unrest and serious disturbances".

"Dozens of smoke grenades and fireworks were thrown," law enforcement announced on online platforms, emphasizing "this is not a football game, it constitutes chaos and serious violence".

Twelve civilians and several officers were hurt, officials confirmed, while several individuals were detained and 16 questioned by police.

The clashes come just a short time after representatives in the Britain said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to go to the Europa League match at the English club in the UK the following month because of safety concerns.

Hapoel Tel Aviv condemned the game abandonment, alleging Israeli police of "preparing for a battle, rather than a sporting event", including during discussions in the lead-up to the much-expected fixture.

"The shocking incidents around the venue and due to the reckless and scandalous judgment not to hold the match only show that the authorities has assumed command over the football," the team announced publicly.

Maccabi Tel Aviv has not yet commented, only acknowledging the game was called off.

The ruling by the local safety committee to exclude club followers from the Birmingham game on November 6 has provoked widespread criticism.

The UK government has later announced it is attempting to reverse the restriction and investigating what further support might be necessary to make certain the match can be held without incident.

The English club told their stadium staff that they were not required to attend at the fixture, stating they acknowledged that some "could be worried".

On the previous day, law enforcement confirmed it supported the ban and classified the match as "high risk" according to information and previous incidents.

That included "violent clashes and bigotry-related acts" involving the Dutch team and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans prior to a game in the Netherlands in the previous year, when numerous persons were arrested.

There have been protests at multiple athletic competitions regarding the situation in Gaza, including when Israel played the Scandinavian team and the European team in latest international matches.

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