Maccabi vs Hapoel Abandoned Amid Riot Fears

Tel Aviv Derby called off due to fan violence

Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel and Maccabi abandoned due to fan violence and public disorder, with police citing 'serious violence' and multiple injuries.

“Disorderly conduct, riots, injured police officers, and damage to infrastructure...”

The Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel and Maccabi Tel Aviv was abandoned due to violent riots and public disorder, according to Israel Police. The match, scheduled at Bloomfield Stadium, was called off after fans threw smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices onto the pitch, injuring 12 civilians and three police officers.

Nine people were arrested, and 16 others were detained for questioning in connection with the violence. The police described the scene as “serious disorder and violence,” stating that it was “not a soccer game.” The decision to cancel the match was made due to concerns over safety and the potential for further violence.

Hapoel Tel Aviv criticized the police's handling of the situation, accusing them of preparing for a “war” rather than a sports event. The club's management expressed frustration over the cancellation, which comes amid heightened tensions between the two teams. Maccabi Tel Aviv has faced scrutiny over fan behavior in the past, including a recent incident in Amsterdam during a Europa League match.

The Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel and Maccabi was cancelled due to “public disorder and violent riots,” Israel Police said, highlighting the severity of the situation. “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 police stated, emphasizing that the events were unacceptable.

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 match cancellation is another blow to Maccabi, whose supporters were recently barred from a Europa League match against Aston Villa due to concerns about potential protests outside the stadium. The police's decision to cancel the match underscores the challenges Israeli teams face in ensuring fan safety and maintaining order during high-profile matches.