🔗 Share this article Tel Aviv Derby Called Off Following Serious Unrest The sports venue in the city was engulfed by haze before the scheduled start Published 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Modified moments ago The Israeli Premier League derby featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was cancelled prior to the start on the weekend, following what law enforcement labeled as "civil unrest and major clashes". "Many of smoke grenades and fireworks were set off," authorities posted on online platforms, noting "this cannot be considered a match, it represents chaos and significant aggression". Twelve people and three officers were hurt, authorities reported, while several individuals were detained and sixteen detained for questioning. The clashes occur just a brief period after officials in the United Kingdom stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to be present at the international tournament game at Aston Villa in the UK in November because of public safety worries. Hapoel Tel Aviv condemned the derby cancellation, claiming law enforcement of "preparing for a conflict, rather than a football match", including during talks in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated fixture. "The alarming situations outside the arena and after the reckless and outrageous decision to cancel the match only prove that the authorities has taken control of the football," the team announced publicly. The other team has not yet commented, merely stating the game was called off. The decision by security authorities to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the English fixture on 6 November has triggered extensive disapproval. The British authorities has subsequently stated it is working to overturn the prohibition and exploring what additional resources might be needed to make certain the match can be hosted safely. The English club told their matchday stewards that they did not have to work at the game, explaining they understood that some "may have concerns". On earlier in the week, local authorities said it supported the ban and designated the game as "high risk" according to intelligence and previous incidents. That involved "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" involving the Dutch team and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a game in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when over sixty individuals were detained. There have been rallies at various athletic competitions over the situation in Gaza, such as when Israel faced the Scandinavian team and the European team in recent football World Cup qualifiers. Associated subjects Soccer Additional reports Follow your club with game reports Released recently Hear the most recent match analysis Obtain match information transmitted immediately to your mobile device Published 16 August