The much-anticipated Tel Aviv football derby was abruptly cancelled due to significant safety concerns following riots that erupted both inside and outside the stadium.

On Sunday night, Bloomfield Stadium became the epicenter of chaos as violent clashes among fans disrupted the scheduled match between Hapoel and Maccabi, prompting police intervention to halt the event.

Israeli authorities stated the decision to cancel the derby was made amid “disturbances and risks to human life,” with pre-match violence leading to the arrest of nine individuals.

Police-released footage captured the turmoil, showing flares and projectiles being launched onto the field, as fans engaged in confrontations with riot officers, with the disorder extending to the surrounding streets.

A Maccabi Tel Aviv spokesperson announced, “Following the police’s decision, it has been determined that tonight’s Tel Aviv derby will not proceed.”

The game, the first derby in more than a year following Hapoel’s promotion, was due to be played in front of a packed crowd of more than 29,000 fans at the shared Bloomfield Stadium.

Witnesses described scenes of pandemonium as fans from both sides ignited fireworks, smoke bombs and threw stones from the stands. 

Players were initially ordered back to the dressing rooms before the match was officially abandoned amid escalating violence.

The Tel Aviv football derby has been cancelled over the ‘risk to human lives’ after riots broke out inside and outside the stadium

Footage released by police shows flares and projectiles being hurled onto the pitch as supporters clashed with riot officers, with chaos also spilling into the streets outside the stadium

A police spokesperson said: ‘Disorderly conduct, riots, object throwing, smoke grenades, fireworks, injured police officers, and damage to stadium infrastructure – this is not a football match, this is a serious public disturbance and violence.’

They added: ‘In light of the disturbances and the endangerment of human lives ahead of the scheduled football match at Bloomfield Stadium, the Israel Police has informed the teams, team management, and referees that it has been decided not to allow the match to take place. 

‘We call on the fans to remain in place until a calm and orderly dispersal takes place.’

The ugly scenes come just days after Maccabi fans were told they would not be allowed to attend next month’s Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham, following a ruling from Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG).

The group, made up of police, council officials and event organisers, cited a ‘high risk of violence based on current intelligence and previous incidents’.

Aston Villa confirmed the news in a statement: ‘Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the Uefa Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group.’

The decision has sparked political backlash in the UK, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer posting on X: ‘This is the wrong decision. 

‘We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.’

The Prime Minister took to social media to condemn the decision on Thursday night

West Midlands Police confirmed the incident in Amsterdam played a part in the decision

Supporters of the ban, however, have pointed to previous incidents involving Maccabi fans, including violent clashes and hate crime offences during last year’s Europa League tie with Ajax in Amsterdam.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: ‘This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam. Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.’

The Israeli government has since said it is examining what ‘additional resources and support are required’ to ensure ‘all fans’ can attend the upcoming European fixture.