Tel Aviv Derby Cancelled After Violent Riots

Israeli police cancelled the Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium after violent pre-match riots in which dozens of flares, smoke grenades and fireworks were thrown onto the pitch, creating heavy smoke and a risk to human life. Roughly 12 civilians and three police officers were reported injured; authorities said the nearly full stadium of about 25,000–30,000 spectators was evacuated, referees sent players back to the locker rooms and the planned 8:30 p.m. kick-off was called off. Arrest figures varied across reports — about five to nine arrested and 13–16 detained for questioning — as police described the incident as serious public disorder. Hapoel accused police of overreach while officials and political figures defended the cancellation as necessary amid safety concerns. The violence comes days after Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group recommended Maccabi fans be barred from their Europa League trip to Aston Villa — a decision the UK government is reportedly reviewing — and clubs, league officials and police said they will coordinate on when and under what conditions the match can be safely rescheduled.