Tel Aviv Derby Cancelled Due to Fan Violence
ESPN News Services
October 19, 2025, 05:18 PM ET
The much-anticipated Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel and Maccabi was abruptly cancelled on Sunday due to violent altercations among supporters.
Authorities advised against proceeding with the Israeli Premier League match after disturbances reportedly erupted before the scheduled kickoff at the Bloomfield Stadium, the shared venue for both teams.
The Jerusalem Post reported that the game was called off when police deemed that safety conditions within the stadium were untenable. There were significant incidents involving pyrotechnics, including the use of fireworks and smoke bombs by fans.
Maccabi released a statement indicating that in light of the police’s decision, the derby could not continue as planned.
This situation arises shortly after Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group ruled that Maccabi supporters would be barred from attending the upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa next month.
Information from The Associated Sport and PA was utilized in this report.
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