🔗 Share this article Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed Due to Major Disturbances The sports venue in the city was engulfed by haze prior to the anticipated beginning Published 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Updated 9 minutes ago The Israeli Premier League rivalry match featuring one local team and their city rivals was called off prior to commencement on Sunday, due to what police described as "crowd trouble and major clashes". "Many of smoke devices and fireworks were launched," Israeli police posted on online platforms, adding "this cannot be considered a sporting event, this is disorder and serious violence". A dozen people and multiple officers were hurt, officials confirmed, while multiple persons were arrested and sixteen detained for questioning. The unrest come just a short time after authorities in the United Kingdom announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ought to be banned to go to the European competition game at Aston Villa in England next month because of public safety worries. Hapoel Tel Aviv condemned the game abandonment, alleging authorities of "preparing for a battle, rather than a football match", including during discussions in the preparation to the much-expected match. "The alarming events near the stadium and following the ill-considered and outrageous decision to cancel the match only prove that the law enforcement has assumed command over the sport," the team announced publicly. The other team has remained silent, except to confirm the match was cancelled. The ruling by security authorities to ban club followers from the Aston Villa match on 6 November has triggered widespread criticism. The British authorities has subsequently stated it is working to overturn the prohibition and considering what extra measures might be required to ensure the fixture can be held without incident. Villa informed their security personnel that they could choose not to participate at the fixture, stating they recognized that some "could be worried". On Thursday, West Midlands Police said it supported the ban and designated the fixture as "high risk" due to information and previous incidents. That encompassed "violent clashes and bigotry-related acts" among Ajax and followers ahead of a game in the Dutch capital in November 2024, when more than 60 people were detained. There have been protests at multiple games concerning the situation in Gaza, for instance when the national team faced Norway and Italy in current international matches. Connected themes Soccer More on this story Follow your club with sports coverage Posted recently Hear the most recent match analysis Get football news transmitted immediately to your mobile device Published August 16