The highly anticipated Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv was cancelled on Sunday after violent clashes erupted outside Bloomfield Stadium, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests.
According to Israel Police, the match was called off due to “public disorder and violent riots” that broke out in the streets surrounding the stadium, which is shared by both clubs. Police reported that 12 civilians and three officers were injured during the unrest, while nine people were arrested.
A derby match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv has been called off in Israel because the police didn't deem it safe. pic.twitter.com/Xe6Hq0KRXp
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) October 19, 2025
The disturbances began as supporters from both sides gathered hours before kick-off. Smoke grenades, flares, and pyrotechnic devices were thrown, leading to chaos and damage to public infrastructure.
In an official statement, police described the situation as “a breach of order and serious violence”, saying the conditions made it impossible to ensure public safety.
“Disorderly conduct, riots, injured police officers, and damage to infrastructure, this is not a soccer game, this is a breach of order and serious violence,” the statement read.
The cancellation marks another setback for Maccabi Tel Aviv, who are already facing restrictions from UEFA after their fans were banned from attending next month’s Europa League fixture against Aston Villa in Birmingham, following security concerns raised by British authorities.
The Israeli Premier League has not yet confirmed when — or if — the derby will be rescheduled, as investigations continue into the violence that marred what was meant to be one of the highlights of the domestic football calendar.
The Tel Aviv derby, one of Israel’s fiercest football rivalries, has a long history of tension between the two sets of supporters, but Sunday’s scenes were among the most serious in recent years, drawing widespread condemnation from sporting and civic authorities alike.
