TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) – The highly anticipated soccer derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off on Sunday after disturbances before kickoff led police to determine that it was unsafe to proceed.

Trouble erupted in and around Bloomfield Stadium, which is shared by both clubs, ahead of the Israeli Premier League match. According to The Jerusalem Post’s English-language website, the game was canceled after police assessed that conditions at the stadium were too dangerous to continue. Fans had extensively used pyrotechnics, including fireworks and smoke grenades, contributing to the unrest.

Israeli Police reported that three officers and five fans were injured during the incidents.

This disruption comes just days after Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group in England controversially decided to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the upcoming Europa League game at Aston Villa on November 6, citing security concerns. The decision has drawn criticism from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
https://wtop.com/world/2025/10/israeli-premier-league-soccer-derby-between-maccabi-tel-aviv-and-hapoel-tel-aviv-called-off/