🔗 Share this article Tel-Aviv Derby Called Off Following Major Disturbances Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv was covered in haze ahead of the planned kick-off Released 19 October 2025, 22:27 BST Revised nine minutes prior The Israeli Premier League rivalry match involving one local team and their city rivals was called off prior to the start on the weekend, following what police described as "public disorder and major clashes". "Numerous of smoke devices and fireworks were thrown," authorities stated on social media, adding "this isn't a football game, it constitutes disorder and significant aggression". A dozen civilians and three law enforcement members were injured, police said, while several individuals were taken into custody and numerous others detained for questioning. The clashes occur just days after authorities in the UK said that followers of the club should not be allowed to be present at the Europa League fixture at the English club in England the following month because of safety concerns. The local club criticised the game abandonment, accusing Israeli police of "gearing up for a conflict, rather than a game", including during discussions in the preparation to the much-expected fixture. "The shocking events around the stadium and due to the irresponsible and outrageous decision to cancel the fixture only prove that the Israel Police has assumed command over the sport," Hapoel Tel Aviv stated officially. Their rivals has declined to speak, merely stating the fixture was abandoned. The decision by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to prohibit club followers from the Aston Villa match on the sixth of November has sparked extensive disapproval. The British authorities has later announced it is working to overturn the restriction and investigating what further support might be required to ensure the fixture can be held without incident. The English club informed their stadium staff that they could choose not to participate at the fixture, saying they recognized that some "might feel uneasy". On Thursday, local authorities confirmed it backed the restriction and designated the game as "high risk" due to intelligence and earlier occurrences. That encompassed "serious fights and hate-crime offences" between Ajax and followers ahead of a game in the Dutch capital in late 2024, when more than 60 people were detained. There have been rallies at several athletic competitions regarding the war in Gaza, such as when the national team played Norway and the European team in recent international matches. Connected themes The sport Additional reports Support your side with match updates Published 48 hours prior Tune into current match analysis Obtain match information delivered directly to your smartphone Published August 16