🔗 Share this article Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Called Off Due to Serious Unrest Bloomfield Stadium in the city was filled with smoke ahead of the anticipated start Published October 19, 2025 at 10:27 PM BST Updated 9 minutes ago The Israeli Premier League rivalry match featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was cancelled ahead of kick-off on Sunday, after what police labeled as "public disorder and violent riots". "Many of smoke grenades and flares were thrown," law enforcement posted on social media, emphasizing "this isn't a match, it represents unrest and major hostilities". Twelve individuals and multiple law enforcement members were hurt, police said, while multiple persons were detained and numerous others questioned by police. The clashes occur just days after representatives in the Britain said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should not be allowed to be present at the international tournament match at the Birmingham team in England the following month because of security issues. The local club condemned the game abandonment, claiming authorities of "getting ready for a war, instead of a game", particularly during discussions in the build-up to the highly-anticipated encounter. "The shocking incidents outside the venue and after the ill-considered and outrageous decision to abandon the game only prove that the authorities has assumed command over the sport," the team stated officially. Maccabi Tel Aviv has not yet commented, only acknowledging the game was called off. The ruling by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to prohibit club followers from the Birmingham game on November 6 has triggered extensive disapproval. The UK government has subsequently stated it is attempting to reverse the ban and investigating what additional resources might be needed to guarantee the fixture can be conducted securely. Villa notified their security personnel that they could choose not to participate at the game, saying they understood that some "could be worried". On earlier in the week, law enforcement confirmed it backed the ban and classified the fixture as "concerning" according to intelligence and past events. That included "serious fights and discrimination incidents" between Ajax and their supporters ahead of a match in Amsterdam in November 2024, when numerous persons were taken into custody. There have been demonstrations at various sporting events regarding the conflict in Gaza, for instance when Israel competed against the Scandinavian team and Italy in current international matches. Connected themes The sport More on this story Follow your club with sports coverage Published 48 hours prior Listen to the latest match analysis Receive sports updates transmitted immediately to your smartphone Published Mid-August