THE TEL AVIV derby was called off before a ball was even kicked amid violent scenes.
The scheduled Israeli Premier League match between rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv was abandoned by local police after chaos erupted in the stadium ahead of kick-off.
Fans from both clubs are reported to have thrown flares, smoke grenades and even stones onto the pitch from the stands.
The scenes lead to an initial decision to send the players back to their dressing rooms and officially postpone the game’s start.
But the unrest grew in the ground, with Police claiming several officers and civilians were injured in the chaos, per Walla Sports.
A police spokesperson said: “Disorderly conduct, riots, object throwing, smoke grenades, fireworks, injured police officers, and damage to stadium infrastructure – this is not a football match, this is a serious public disturbance and violence.”
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“In light of the disturbances and the endangerment of human lives ahead of the scheduled football match at Bloomfield Stadium, The Israel Police has informed the teams, team management, and referees that it has been decided not to allow the match to take place.
“We call on the fans to remain in place until a calm and orderly dispersal takes place.”
It was the first derby of its kind in over a year after Hapoel spent last season in the second-tier following a relegation.
The clubs share the 29,400-capacity Bloomfield stadium in Tel Aviv, and fans were given an order to vacate the ground following the decision to abandon the game.
They are contesting a fiercely close campaign this season, with Maccabi currently sitting in second after six games, just one point and one place above their local rivals.
The scenes come just days after fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv were told they would not be permitted to attend their Europa League clash with Aston Villa, following a decision from Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group.
A statement from the club read: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the Uefa Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group.”
The decision sparked outrage from many senior political figures in the UK, including prime minister Keir Starmer.
He wrote on X: “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.”
Those championing the ban have countered with accusations of hooliganism from Maccabi fans, including a incident in Amsterdam last year when the club faced Dutch giants Ajax.
A West Midlands police spokesperson said of the ban: “This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.
“Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.”
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