🔗 Share this article Tel Aviv Derby Postponed Following Major Disturbances Bloomfield Stadium in the city was engulfed by haze prior to the planned kick-off Published 19 October 2025, 22:27 BST Revised nine minutes prior The domestic football league rivalry match involving one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned ahead of commencement on the weekend, due to what police characterized as "crowd trouble and major clashes". "Numerous of smoke grenades and fireworks were launched," authorities announced on digital channels, emphasizing "this isn't a match, it represents disorder and major hostilities". Twelve individuals and three officers were harmed, police said, while several individuals were arrested and numerous others questioned by police. The clashes occur just a short time after authorities in the Britain stated that supporters of the team cannot be permitted to attend the Europa League match at the Birmingham team in the UK the following month because of safety concerns. The local club criticised the derby cancellation, accusing law enforcement of "preparing for a war, rather than a football match", even during discussions in the build-up to the much-expected match. "The disturbing incidents outside the arena and following the ill-considered and unacceptable ruling not to hold the fixture only prove that the Israel Police has assumed command over the game," Hapoel Tel Aviv said in a statement. Their rivals has declined to speak, only acknowledging the match was cancelled. The decision by the local safety committee to prohibit the team's supporters from the Aston Villa match on November 6 has provoked extensive disapproval. The UK government has subsequently stated it is seeking to cancel the ban and exploring what additional resources might be necessary to make certain the fixture can be conducted securely. The English club informed their matchday stewards that they could choose not to participate at the fixture, explaining they understood that some "might feel uneasy". On the previous day, law enforcement confirmed it backed the ban and categorized the fixture as "concerning" based on intelligence and earlier occurrences. That involved "serious fights and hate-crime offences" between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ahead of a match in Amsterdam in November 2024, when numerous persons were taken into custody. There have been rallies at multiple games concerning the war in Gaza, such as when Israel faced Norway and Italy in recent international matches. Related topics The sport More on this story Support your side with match updates Posted 48 hours prior Hear the most recent match analysis Get football news sent straight to your mobile device Issued Mid-August