Tel Aviv Derby Cancelled Amid Violent Riots

Mon Oct 20 2025 06:43:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The highly anticipated Israeli Premier League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abruptly cancelled due to violent riots, leading to injuries and arrests.

The Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off by police after violent riots erupted at Bloomfield Stadium. Officers reported dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices being thrown, resulting in injuries to civilians and officers alike. The aftermath included multiple arrests and detentions for questioning, sparking criticism from Hapoel Tel Aviv's management regarding police preparedness for the event. The unrest follows safety concerns raised for Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending an upcoming match in the UK.

The Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled before kick-off on Sunday, after what police described as public disorder and violent riots.

Dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown, Israeli police posted on X, adding this is not a football game, this is disorder and serious violence.

Twelve civilians and three officers were injured, police said, while nine people were arrested and 16 detained for questioning.

The unrest comes just days after officials in the UK said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to attend the Europa League match at Aston Villa in England next month because of safety concerns.

Hapoel Tel Aviv criticised the derby cancellation, accusing Israeli police of preparing for a war, not a sporting event, during discussions leading to the highly-anticipated match.

They stated, The shocking events outside the stadium and following the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the match only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport.

Maccabi Tel Aviv has not yet commented, except to confirm the match was cancelled.

The decision by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on 6 November has sparked widespread criticism.

The UK government has since announced it is working to overturn the ban and exploring what additional resources might be required to ensure the fixture can be hosted safely.

Villa informed their matchday stewards that they would not have to work at the event, acknowledging that some may have concerns.

West Midlands Police has said it supports the ban, classifying the fixture as high risk based on intelligence and previous incidents, which included violent clashes and hate-crime offences between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a match in Amsterdam in November 2024, resulting in over 60 arrests.

There have also been protests at various sporting events over the war in Gaza, including during Israel’s matches against Norway and Italy in recent World Cup qualifiers.