The Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel and Maccabi was abandoned before kick-off after violent clashes erupted inside Bloomfield Stadium, forcing police to call off the match amid scenes of chaos that left dozens injured and more than 40 arrests.
The match, the first top-flight meeting between the fierce city rivals in over a year, had been expected to draw 25,000 fans in a sold-out stadium.
But within minutes of the teams entering the pitch, the atmosphere turned volatile.
Supporters from both sides began hurling flares, bottles, smoke grenades, and even stones towards each other and onto the field.
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Players were swiftly ushered back into the dressing rooms as security forces struggled to contain the unrest.
Despite attempts to restore order, the violence escalated both inside and outside the stadium.
Police later confirmed that 42 people, including officers, were injured in the disorder and that 40 individuals were detained.
The Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel and Maccabi was abandoned before kick-off after violent clashes erupted inside Bloomfield Stadium, forcing police to call off the match amid scenes of chaos that left dozens injured and more than 40 arrests
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A police spokesperson described the situation as “a serious public disturbance and violence,” adding: “Disorderly conduct, riots, object throwing, smoke grenades, fireworks, injured police officers, and damage to stadium infrastructure.
“This is not a football match. In light of the disturbances and the endangerment of human lives, the Israel Police informed the teams and officials that the match would not take place.
“We call on fans to remain in place until a calm and orderly dispersal can occur.”
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Pyrotechnics were thrown onto the field before the football match in Israel
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The incident has intensified scrutiny on Maccabi Tel Aviv’s supporters, who are already facing a ban from attending their club’s upcoming Europa League tie against Aston Villa in Birmingham.
The decision by West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council to bar Israeli fans from Villa Park next month, citing safety concerns, has sparked political controversy in the United Kingdom.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the ban, calling it “the wrong decision” and vowing to challenge it.
“We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets,” Starmer wrote on X.
“The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation.”
The police in Birmingham defended their stance, saying the match had been classified as high-risk “based on current intelligence and previous incidents,” including violent clashes during Maccabi’s Europa League fixture against Ajax in Amsterdam last year.
Authorities were forced to act as ugly scenes prevented the Tel Aviv derby match from taking place
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“We believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety,” a West Midlands Police spokesperson said.
The move has drawn criticism from both sides of the political divide.
Cabinet Minister Ed Miliband told Sky News that efforts were being made to allow supporters from both clubs to attend, adding: “No, and it can’t be, and I’m very, very clear about that,” when asked if the ruling effectively made Villa Park a “no-go zone for Jews.”
Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho called the ban a “disgrace,” while Starmer reiterated his intention to work with authorities to find a solution.
Maccabi currently sit second in the Israeli Premier League, just one point ahead of Hapoel after six matches, and the derby had been billed as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
Its violent collapse has reignited debate over crowd control and fan behaviour in Israeli football and could now influence security arrangements for international matches involving the club.
Authorities in both Israel and the UK are expected to issue updated safety protocols later this week. West Midlands Police are preparing an action plan that could include new conditions to allow both sets of supporters to attend the Aston Villa match, if calm can be restored before then.