🔗 Share this article Tel Aviv Derby Called Off Due to Serious Unrest The sports venue in the city was covered in smoke ahead of the scheduled start Released October 19, 2025 at 10:27 PM BST Modified moments ago The Israeli Premier League local clash between one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off ahead of kick-off on the weekend, after what law enforcement described as "crowd trouble and serious disturbances". "Dozens of smoke bombs and fireworks were thrown," law enforcement announced on online platforms, adding "this is not a sporting event, this is disorder and major hostilities". A dozen individuals and multiple law enforcement members were harmed, police said, while multiple persons were arrested and numerous others questioned by police. The disturbances occur just a short time after representatives in the United Kingdom stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ought to be banned to be present at the international tournament game at the English club in Britain next month because of safety concerns. Hapoel Tel Aviv censured the match postponement, alleging law enforcement of "gearing up for a conflict, rather than a game", particularly during meetings in the lead-up to the eagerly-awaited encounter. "The shocking incidents near the venue and due to the irresponsible and outrageous ruling to cancel the game only show that the law enforcement has seized authority in the sport," the team stated officially. Their rivals has declined to speak, merely stating the game was called off. The ruling by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to ban club followers from the English fixture on 6 November has triggered widespread criticism. The UK government has subsequently stated it is working to overturn the prohibition and exploring what additional resources might be necessary to make certain the game can be held without incident. Villa notified their matchday stewards that they did not have to work at the fixture, saying they acknowledged that some "might feel uneasy". On earlier in the week, West Midlands Police stated it endorsed the prohibition and designated the fixture as "potentially dangerous" due to information and previous incidents. That encompassed "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" between Ajax and followers prior to a game in Amsterdam in late 2024, when over sixty individuals were taken into custody. There have been protests at multiple sporting events over the conflict in Gaza, including when the national team played Norway and Italy in current international matches. Related topics Football More on this story Follow your club with match updates Published 48 hours prior Hear the most recent match analysis Get football news transmitted immediately to your mobile device Issued 16 August