The much-anticipated Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel and Maccabi was called off on Sunday following what authorities described as “public disorder and violent riots.”
The Israeli Premier League clash, scheduled to take place at Bloomfield Stadium, home ground to both clubs, descended into chaos as videos circulating online showed fans battling police inside and outside the venue.
According to a police statement, 12 civilians and three officers sustained injuries during the disturbances, while nine people were arrested. Another 16 were detained for questioning.
Police-released footage captured scenes of pyrotechnics and smoke grenades hurled from the stands before kickoff. Officials said the match was canceled over concerns of “endangerment of human life.”
Hapoel Tel Aviv, however, sharply criticized the authorities’ handling of the situation.
In a statement, the club said it “already seemed that the police were preparing for a war, not for a sporting event,” adding that “the shocking events outside the stadium, and the rash and scandalous decision not to hold the game, only demonstrate that Israel Police have taken control of the sport.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv declined to comment beyond confirming that police had canceled the game.
The incident came shortly after Maccabi fans were barred by local authorities in England from attending next month’s Europa League tie at Aston Villa due to security risks.
West Midlands Police described the fixture as “high risk,” citing “current intelligence and previous incidents,” and said it supported the ban imposed by local officials.
The restriction drew backlash from politicians, sports bodies, and Jewish organizations seeking to overturn the decision.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the move “wrong,” stressing that “the role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”
A Downing Street spokesperson added on Monday that Starmer was “doing everything in his power to give Jewish communities the security they deserve.”
“We recognise the concerns raised by police due to previous incidents in Europe, and of course, acknowledge events over the last few days, and we condemn any violent behaviour,” the spokesperson said, referring to Sunday’s unrest in Tel Aviv.
“The UK Football Policing Unit are reaching out to their Israeli counterparts to gain an understanding of what happened at last night’s match in Tel Aviv.”
Maccabi fans were also caught up in violent clashes last year when their team faced Dutch giants Ajax in Amsterdam.
