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The much-awaited city derby football fixture involving Maccabi and Hapoel was canceled after rioting erupted, with authorities pointing to “serious threats to safety”.

Unrest Breaks Out Outside Bloomfield Stadium

The fixture was due to be held Sunday evening at the Bloomfield venue, a ground shared by the two clubs, serving as the home game for the Hapoel side.

Recordings shared by authorities shows objects and flares hurled onto the field, as well as unrest around the stadium.

Police Make Arrests and Suffer Injuries

Law enforcement officials announced that they had made nine arrests and brought 16 more for interrogation once the game was canceled “after violent incidents”.

Officers sustained injuries in termed as “extreme unrest”.

“Disorderly conduct, riots, injured police officers plus damage to infrastructure – this is not a soccer game, this is a breach of order accompanied by serious violence.”

Pyrotechnics Lead to Casualties

Authorities noted that “Dozens of smoke bombs and pyrotechnic devices were launched, injuring 12 members of the public along with three police officers.”

Forces at the scene detained nine individuals and took in 16 others for further investigation.

Club Statement Affirms Postponement

The Maccabi announcement declared: “Following the police’s decision, it was decided that the Tel Aviv derby would not be held tonight.”

Context: Recent Restriction for Team Supporters

This incident occurred after Maccabi supporters were told recently that they would not be allowed from attending an upcoming Europa League game against Aston Villa in the UK.

The city's safety advisory group – comprising local stakeholders, local police, and organizers – stated this ruling was taken due to an elevated threat of unrest based on “recent information as well as past events”.

Official Response Regarding the Ban

This move sparked controversy, with the UK leader, the Prime Minister, condemning the decision and several figures calling for the ban to be revoked.

“This is the wrong decision. We will not accept discrimination in our communities,” he stated. “The duty of law enforcement is to ensure every supporter can enjoy the game, free from fear of violence or threats.”

Ayoub Khan, the independent MP from Birmingham, reiterated his opposition to the team's fans traveling via a message on X: Disgraceful those disgraceful officials as well as news anchors that conflated this issue!”

“It wasn't about religion instead everything related to troublemakers! These hooligans are not welcome in my constituency!”