Violent Clashes Force Abandonment of Tel Aviv Derby

The Israeli Premier League derby between city rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv was abandoned on Sunday night after violent unrest broke out inside and outside Bloomfield Stadium.

Police ordered the cancellation of the match, which both clubs share as their home ground, following what they described as “public disorder and violent riots.”

According to The Jerusalem Post, the fixture “was canceled after police determined that conditions at the stadium were unsafe to continue,” citing “extensive use of pyrotechnics by fans, including fireworks and smoke grenades.”

A statement from Maccabi confirmed: “Following the police's decision, it was determined that the Tel Aviv derby will not take place tonight.”

Footage circulated on social media showed flares, fireworks, and other projectiles being hurled onto the pitch, while fighting also erupted among supporters outside the ground. Police said officers were injured as they tried to contain the chaos.

Hapoel Tel Aviv condemned the way the situation was handled, accusing authorities of escalating tensions. “The shocking events outside the stadium and following the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the match only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport,” the club wrote on X, adding that officers had “prepared for a war, not a sporting event.”

The violence in Tel Aviv comes just days after fresh controversy surrounding Maccabi fans’ attendance at European fixtures. Last week, Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) ruled that Maccabi supporters would not be permitted to attend their team’s Europa League clash against Aston Villa on 6 November.

The group, which includes West Midlands Police and local authorities, said the decision followed “current intelligence and previous incidents,” pointing to a “high risk of violence.”

The restriction has prompted political backlash in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised the move, saying: “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”

The UK government has since said it is working to overturn the fan ban, while Aston Villa told its stewards they were not required to work the game if they felt unsafe. West Midlands Police has maintained its “high risk” classification, citing “violent clashes and hate-crime offences” involving Maccabi fans before a match against Ajax in Amsterdam in November 2024.

_{Featured Image Credit: X / @MaccabiTLVFC}