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The highly anticipated Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off on Sunday, October 19, 2025, after widespread fan violence at Bloomfield Stadium injured 12 civilians and three police officers, leading to multiple arrests.
The Israeli Premier League derby between rival clubs Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled on Sunday, October 19, 2025, following what police described as "public disorder and violent riots" at Bloomfield Stadium. The unrest, which saw dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices thrown, resulted in injuries to 12 civilians and three police officers. Nine individuals were arrested, and 16 others were detained for questioning.
The decision to call off the match, scheduled for Sunday evening, October 19, 2025, at Bloomfield Stadium, was made by Israeli police due to safety concerns. Police stated that the events transcended a typical football game, characterising them as "disorder and serious violence."
The cancellation of the Tel Aviv derby comes just days after a controversial decision by officials in the United Kingdom to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a Europa League match against Aston Villa in England next month, citing safety concerns. West Midlands Police supported this ban, classifying the fixture as "high risk" based on intelligence and previous incidents, including "violent clashes and hate-crime offences" between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam in November 2024, which led to over 60 arrests.
Hapoel Tel Aviv criticised the police's decision to cancel the derby, accusing them of "preparing for a war, not a sporting event" during the lead-up discussions. In a statement posted on X, Hapoel Tel Aviv asserted that the "shocking events outside the stadium and following the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the match only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport." The club further claimed that "most of the injuries from the event were actually caused by the brutal police violence," while condemning all acts of violence and vowing to fight against lawbreakers, even those in uniform.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, on their part, confirmed the match cancellation but did not offer further comment on the events.
The escalating violence at football matches, both domestically and internationally, poses significant risks to public safety and the integrity of the sport. The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an upcoming Europa League match in England highlights growing international concerns over fan behaviour and security. Such incidents could lead to stricter security measures, further restrictions on fan attendance, and potential penalties for clubs involved.
While Hapoel Tel Aviv has attributed most injuries to police actions, the Israeli police maintain that the violence originated from fan disorder. The full extent of the damage to stadium infrastructure remains unclear. The long-term implications of these events on fan engagement and club relations are yet to be seen.
Observers will be watching for any further statements or actions from Maccabi Tel Aviv regarding the derby cancellation and the ongoing ban on their fans in the UK. The response from Israeli football authorities to the escalating fan violence will also be crucial. Additionally, the outcome of the UK government's efforts to overturn the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the Aston Villa match will be a key development.
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