🔗 Share this article Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed Due to Major Disturbances Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was filled with haze prior to the planned beginning Issued 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Modified moments ago The Israeli Premier League local clash featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled ahead of kick-off on the weekend, after what authorities labeled as "public disorder and violent riots". "Many of smoke bombs and fireworks were launched," Israeli police stated on online platforms, emphasizing "this cannot be considered a match, it constitutes chaos and serious violence". Twelve people and three law enforcement members were hurt, authorities reported, while nine people were detained and 16 detained for questioning. The disturbances happen just days after authorities in the United Kingdom announced that supporters of the team cannot be permitted to go to the European competition fixture at the English club in the UK next month because of security issues. One team condemned the match postponement, accusing Israeli police of "getting ready for a conflict, rather than a game", even during discussions in the build-up to the much-expected match. "The shocking incidents outside the arena and following the irresponsible and outrageous decision to cancel the match only prove that the authorities has seized authority in the sport," the team said in a statement. Their rivals has declined to speak, only acknowledging the game was called off. The judgment by the local safety committee to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on November 6 has provoked extensive disapproval. The government officials has subsequently stated it is seeking to cancel the prohibition and investigating what further support might be necessary to make certain the match can be hosted safely. Aston Villa told their security personnel that they did not have to work at the game, explaining they recognized that some "could be worried". On the previous day, law enforcement confirmed it endorsed the restriction and classified the match as "concerning" according to intelligence and earlier occurrences. That encompassed "serious fights and bigotry-related acts" involving Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a match in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when numerous persons were arrested. There have been demonstrations at several athletic competitions over the war in Gaza, such as when the national team faced the Scandinavian team and the European team in current football World Cup qualifiers. Connected themes Football Additional reports Follow your club with game reports Published recently Listen to the latest match analysis Receive sports updates transmitted immediately to your mobile device Issued 16 August