🔗 Share this article Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed Due to Major Disturbances The sports venue in Tel Aviv was covered in haze prior to the scheduled kick-off Issued 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Modified moments ago The domestic football league derby featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled before the start on the weekend, after what police labeled as "civil unrest and serious disturbances". "Numerous of smoke bombs and pyrotechnic devices were set off," authorities posted on online platforms, emphasizing "this cannot be considered a sporting event, it represents chaos and serious violence". A dozen people and multiple officers were injured, officials confirmed, while several individuals were taken into custody and 16 held for interrogation. The clashes occur just a short time after officials in the UK said that supporters of the team cannot be permitted to go to the Europa League fixture at Aston Villa in Britain next month because of security issues. One team censured the derby cancellation, alleging authorities of "gearing up for a battle, rather than a sporting event", particularly during discussions in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited fixture. "The disturbing situations outside the arena and after the ill-considered and unacceptable judgment to cancel the fixture only demonstrate that the law enforcement has seized authority in the sport," the team said in a statement. Maccabi Tel Aviv has declined to speak, except to confirm the game was called off. The ruling by the local safety committee to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Birmingham game on November 6 has sparked widespread criticism. The British authorities has later announced it is working to overturn the restriction and exploring what further support might be necessary to make certain the fixture can be conducted securely. The English club informed their stadium staff that they were not required to attend at the match, stating they recognized that some "might feel uneasy". On the previous day, West Midlands Police confirmed it backed the restriction and classified the match as "potentially dangerous" due to information and past events. That encompassed "violent clashes and hate-crime offences" involving the Dutch team and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans prior to a match in Amsterdam in the previous year, when numerous persons were arrested. There have been demonstrations at several games concerning the war in Gaza, including when Israel played Norway and the European team in recent qualification games. Associated subjects Football Further coverage Support your side with match updates Released 48 hours prior Hear the most recent football podcast Get football news sent straight to your smartphone Issued August 16