đ Share this article Tel Aviv Derby Called Off Following Major Disturbances The sports venue in the city was covered in haze before the anticipated kick-off Published 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Updated 9 minutes ago The Israeli Premier League rivalry match involving one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled ahead of commencement on Sunday, due to what law enforcement characterized as "civil unrest and major clashes". "Many of smoke devices and fireworks were launched," law enforcement posted on digital channels, noting "this cannot be considered a sporting event, it represents chaos and major hostilities". Twelve individuals and multiple law enforcement members were injured, authorities reported, while nine people were detained and 16 detained for questioning. The clashes occur just days after authorities in the UK announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans cannot be permitted to go to the Europa League fixture at Aston Villa in the UK next month because of safety concerns. One team condemned the match postponement, accusing law enforcement of "gearing up for a battle, not a football match", even during talks in the build-up to the eagerly-awaited encounter. "The disturbing incidents near the arena and due to the ill-considered and unacceptable judgment not to hold the fixture only show that the authorities has taken control of the sport," Hapoel Tel Aviv announced publicly. Their rivals has declined to speak, only acknowledging the fixture was abandoned. The decision by security authorities to ban club followers from the Birmingham game on 6 November has provoked broad condemnation. The British authorities has since said it is attempting to reverse the ban and exploring what extra measures might be needed to guarantee the game can be hosted safely. Villa told their matchday stewards that they were not required to attend at the game, saying they understood that some "might feel uneasy". On the previous day, West Midlands Police stated it endorsed the prohibition and classified the game as "potentially dangerous" based on intelligence and past events. That involved "serious fights and hate-crime offences" among Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ahead of a fixture in the Dutch capital in November 2024, when more than 60 people were arrested. There have been rallies at several sporting events over the conflict in Gaza, such as when the national team faced the Scandinavian team and the European team in recent qualification games. Related topics Soccer More on this story Follow your club with match updates Posted recently Tune into current sports show Obtain match information transmitted immediately to your mobile device Released 16 August