Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off Following Major Disturbances

• Released
  October 19, 2025 at 10:27 PM BST

The domestic football league derby featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was cancelled ahead of commencement on the weekend, due to what law enforcement labeled as "crowd trouble and serious disturbances".

"Dozens of smoke bombs and fireworks were set off," authorities posted on digital channels, noting "this isn't a sporting event, it represents unrest and significant aggression".

A dozen civilians and several officers were injured, authorities reported, while multiple persons were arrested and sixteen held for interrogation.

The clashes happen just days after representatives in the United Kingdom said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ought to be banned to attend the international tournament game at Aston Villa in England in November because of security issues.

The local club censured the game abandonment, claiming law enforcement of "getting ready for a war, instead of a sporting event", even during discussions in the preparation to the highly-anticipated encounter.

"The shocking incidents near the stadium and after the irresponsible and unacceptable decision to abandon the fixture only prove that the authorities has seized authority in the football," Hapoel Tel Aviv announced publicly.

The other team has not yet commented, except to confirm the fixture was abandoned.

The decision by the local safety committee to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on 6 November has sparked broad condemnation.

The British authorities has subsequently stated it is working to overturn the prohibition and investigating what further support might be required to ensure the match can be hosted safely.

Aston Villa informed their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the fixture, explaining they acknowledged that some "may have concerns".

On the previous day, West Midlands Police stated it supported the restriction and designated the match as "concerning" based on reports and previous incidents.

That included "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" among Ajax and their supporters prior to a fixture in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when numerous persons were taken into custody.

There have been demonstrations at multiple athletic competitions over the war in Gaza, such as when Israel played Norway and the European team in recent qualification games.

Related topics

• The sport

Further coverage

• Track your team with sports coverage

  • Posted
    recently

• Tune into current match analysis

• Get football news sent straight to your smartphone

  • Published
    Mid-August