🔗 Share this article Tel Aviv Local Rivalry Called Off After Serious Unrest The sports venue in the city was covered in smoke ahead of the anticipated beginning Released 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Updated 9 minutes ago The domestic football league derby involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and their city rivals was called off before the start on the weekend, due to what authorities labeled as "civil unrest and violent riots". "Dozens of smoke grenades and flares were launched," law enforcement announced on digital channels, emphasizing "this cannot be considered a football game, this is unrest and serious violence". A dozen civilians and multiple police personnel were harmed, police said, while multiple persons were detained and 16 detained for questioning. The unrest come just days after representatives in the United Kingdom said that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ought to be banned to be present at the Europa League match at Aston Villa in the UK in November because of public safety worries. One team censured the match postponement, accusing authorities of "getting ready for a conflict, rather than a football match", even during discussions in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated match. "The disturbing situations outside the venue and following the irresponsible and outrageous decision not to hold the fixture only demonstrate that the law enforcement has taken control of the football," the club announced publicly. The other team has declined to speak, merely stating the game was called off. The decision by the local safety committee to exclude Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Birmingham game on November 6 has provoked broad condemnation. The UK government has later announced it is attempting to reverse the ban and exploring what additional resources might be required to ensure the game can be conducted securely. Aston Villa informed their stadium staff that they did not have to work at the fixture, saying they understood that some "may have concerns". On earlier in the week, West Midlands Police said it backed the restriction and classified the match as "concerning" according to intelligence and past events. That included "serious fights and hate-crime offences" involving Ajax and their supporters prior to a fixture in the Dutch capital in November 2024, when more than 60 people were arrested. There have been demonstrations at several games over the war in Gaza, including when the national team played Norway and the European team in latest football World Cup qualifiers. Related topics The sport Additional reports Support your side with match updates Posted 2 days ago Tune into current football podcast Get football news transmitted immediately to your mobile device Issued 16 August