🔗 Share this article Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Called Off Due to Violent Riots The sports venue in the city was engulfed by haze before the scheduled kick-off Released 22:27 BST on October 19, 2025 Updated 9 minutes ago The Israeli Premier League rivalry match between one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abandoned prior to the start on Sunday, after what police characterized as "public disorder and serious disturbances". "Dozens of smoke bombs and flares were launched," authorities posted on online platforms, adding "this cannot be considered a match, it constitutes chaos and significant aggression". A dozen people and three officers were hurt, authorities reported, while multiple persons were arrested and 16 questioned by police. The disturbances occur just days after authorities in the Britain announced that supporters of the team should not be allowed to go to the Europa League fixture at the Birmingham team in Britain next month because of public safety worries. The local club condemned the match postponement, claiming Israeli police of "gearing up for a battle, instead of a game", particularly during talks in the build-up to the highly-anticipated encounter. "The disturbing events around the arena and after the reckless and unacceptable judgment to abandon the game only demonstrate that the Israel Police has taken control of the sport," the team announced publicly. Their rivals has remained silent, merely stating the fixture was abandoned. The decision by security authorities to prohibit the team's supporters from the Birmingham game on the sixth of November has triggered widespread criticism. The government officials has since said it is working to overturn the restriction and considering what further support might be necessary to ensure the fixture can be held without incident. Villa told their security personnel that they did not have to work at the match, stating they recognized that some "could be worried". On Thursday, local authorities confirmed it backed the ban and designated the match as "concerning" based on reports and earlier occurrences. That involved "serious fights and discrimination incidents" involving the Dutch team and followers before a match in Amsterdam in late 2024, when more than 60 people were taken into custody. There have been demonstrations at various sporting events over the situation in Gaza, for instance when the national team competed against Norway and Italy in latest international matches. Associated subjects Soccer Further coverage Track your team with game reports Released 2 days ago Listen to the latest match analysis Receive sports updates transmitted immediately to your mobile device Released Mid-August