🔗 Share this article Tel-Aviv Derby Cancelled Following Violent Riots The sports venue in the city was filled with smoke before the planned start Issued 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Updated 9 minutes ago The Israeli Premier League local clash featuring one local team and their city rivals was cancelled prior to the start on the weekend, following what authorities characterized as "civil unrest and violent riots". "Many of smoke devices and pyrotechnic devices were set off," law enforcement posted on online platforms, adding "this is not a sporting event, it constitutes unrest and significant aggression". Twelve individuals and multiple officers were injured, officials confirmed, while nine people were detained and 16 questioned by police. The disturbances happen just a short time after representatives in the United Kingdom stated that supporters of the team cannot be permitted to go to the international tournament fixture at Aston Villa in Britain the following month because of safety concerns. The local club criticised the game abandonment, alleging authorities of "getting ready for a conflict, not a football match", even during meetings in the preparation to the highly-anticipated encounter. "The alarming incidents near the stadium and after the irresponsible and unacceptable decision to cancel the game only prove that the authorities has seized authority in the game," Hapoel Tel Aviv said in a statement. Their rivals has remained silent, except to confirm the fixture was abandoned. The decision by security authorities to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa match on the sixth of November has triggered extensive disapproval. The British authorities has subsequently stated it is attempting to reverse the ban and exploring what further support might be necessary to guarantee the fixture can be held without incident. The English club informed their security personnel that they were not required to attend at the fixture, saying they acknowledged that some "could be worried". On earlier in the week, law enforcement stated it endorsed the prohibition and categorized the match as "concerning" due to intelligence and previous incidents. That encompassed "violent clashes and discrimination incidents" among the Dutch team and their supporters before a fixture in the Dutch capital in the previous year, when numerous persons were arrested. There have been demonstrations at multiple sporting events over the war in Gaza, such as when Israel competed against Norway and the European team in recent international matches. Related topics Football More on this story Support your side with sports coverage Released recently Hear the most recent football podcast Obtain match information delivered directly to your smartphone Released 16 August