The highly anticipated Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned on Sunday night following violent clashes between rival fans and police, before the match even began. The Israeli Premier League match, held at Bloomfield Stadium, was called off due to safety concerns after "riots and violence" broke out.
According to police reports, the disturbances included "disorderly conduct, riots, object throwing, smoke grenades, fireworks," and damage to the stadium infrastructure. Social media footage showed smoke grenades and fireworks being thrown onto the pitch. The Israeli police stated that the events were a "serious public disturbance and violence" endangering human lives.
As a result of the unrest, at least 12 civilians and three police officers were injured. Nine suspects have been arrested, and 16 others were detained for questioning. The police decided to call off the match, citing the "endangerment of human lives".
Maccabi Tel Aviv released a statement acknowledging the police's decision, confirming that the derby would not take place. Footage shared by the police showed projectiles and flares being thrown onto the pitch, as well as unrest outside the stadium and arrests being made.
The incident occurred just days after Maccabi fans were banned from attending the Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham next month. The decision to ban the fans was made by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), citing a high risk of violence based on "current intelligence and previous incidents". The government is reportedly exploring what "additional resources and support are required" to allow "all fans" to attend the match.
The Tel Aviv derby has a history of violence and unrest. In 2014, a derby match was abandoned at halftime after a Hapoel supporter attacked a Maccabi player on the pitch. In response to that incident, an Israel Football Association court docked three points from both Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi. The clubs also faced sanctions such as having sections of the stadium closed for several matches.
