Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Called Off Due to Violent Riots

• Published
  19 October 2025, 22:27 BST

The Israeli Premier League derby featuring one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off before kick-off on the weekend, following what law enforcement characterized as "public disorder and serious disturbances".

"Numerous of smoke grenades and fireworks were launched," Israeli police stated on social media, noting "this cannot be considered a match, it represents unrest and significant aggression".

A dozen people and multiple law enforcement members were hurt, authorities reported, while nine people were detained and numerous others questioned by police.

The unrest occur just a short time after representatives in the United Kingdom stated that supporters of the team ought to be banned to be present at the European competition fixture at the English club in England next month because of safety concerns.

Hapoel Tel Aviv censured the derby cancellation, accusing Israeli police of "gearing up for a war, rather than a sporting event", even during talks in the build-up to the much-expected encounter.

"The disturbing incidents near the arena and following the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the fixture only demonstrate that the authorities has seized authority in the football," Hapoel Tel Aviv said in a statement.

The other team has not yet commented, merely stating the game was called off.

The ruling by the local safety committee to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Birmingham game on 6 November has triggered extensive disapproval.

The government officials has since said it is working to overturn the restriction and considering what further support might be necessary to guarantee the game can be held without incident.

Villa informed their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the game, saying they understood that some "might feel uneasy".

On Thursday, West Midlands Police confirmed it endorsed the prohibition and categorized the match as "potentially dangerous" due to reports and earlier occurrences.

That involved "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" among the Dutch team and followers prior to a game in the Dutch capital in the previous year, when numerous persons were taken into custody.

There have been rallies at various games over the war in Gaza, including when Israel played the Scandinavian team and the European team in recent international matches.

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