🔗 Share this article Tel Aviv Derby Called Off Due to Serious Unrest Bloomfield Stadium in the city was engulfed by haze prior to the planned kick-off Issued 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Updated 9 minutes ago The domestic football league local clash featuring one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled before the start on the weekend, following what law enforcement described as "public disorder and serious disturbances". "Dozens of smoke bombs and fireworks were thrown," law enforcement announced on social media, emphasizing "this is not a match, it constitutes chaos and significant aggression". Twelve civilians and several officers were hurt, officials confirmed, while several individuals were arrested and numerous others held for interrogation. The disturbances occur just a short time after representatives in the UK announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to attend the international tournament fixture at the English club in England the following month because of public safety worries. One team censured the derby cancellation, claiming authorities of "preparing for a conflict, instead of a sporting event", particularly during talks in the preparation to the eagerly-awaited encounter. "The alarming events around the stadium and after the irresponsible and unacceptable decision not to hold the fixture only show that the authorities has assumed command over the game," Hapoel Tel Aviv said in a statement. Maccabi Tel Aviv has remained silent, except to confirm the fixture was abandoned. The decision by security authorities to prohibit Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Birmingham game on the sixth of November has triggered extensive disapproval. The British authorities has subsequently stated it is working to overturn the restriction and exploring what additional resources might be necessary to ensure the game can be hosted safely. Aston Villa told their security personnel that they were not required to attend at the match, saying they understood that some "may have concerns". On Thursday, law enforcement confirmed it backed the restriction and designated the game as "potentially dangerous" according to intelligence and earlier occurrences. That encompassed "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" involving the Dutch team and their supporters prior to a match in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when more than 60 people were detained. There have been demonstrations at several sporting events concerning the war in Gaza, such as when Israel played the Scandinavian team and Italy in recent qualification games. Related topics The sport Further coverage Support your side with sports coverage Published 2 days ago Tune into current match analysis Get football news transmitted immediately to your mobile device Issued Mid-August