🔗 Share this article Tel-Aviv Local Rivalry Postponed Following Violent Riots Bloomfield Stadium in the city was filled with smoke prior to the scheduled kick-off Issued October 19, 2025 at 10:27 PM BST Modified moments ago The Israeli Premier League rivalry match involving one local team and Hapoel Tel Aviv was called off ahead of commencement on the weekend, following what police characterized as "public disorder and serious disturbances". "Numerous of smoke grenades and flares were thrown," Israeli police announced on social media, adding "this isn't a football game, it represents chaos and major hostilities". Twelve individuals and several law enforcement members were harmed, officials confirmed, while several individuals were taken into custody and numerous others held for interrogation. The disturbances occur just days after representatives in the UK said that supporters of the team cannot be permitted to be present at the European competition match at Aston Villa in Britain next month because of security issues. Hapoel Tel Aviv criticised the match postponement, claiming law enforcement of "preparing for a war, rather than a sporting event", including during talks in the preparation to the much-expected fixture. "The shocking incidents around the venue and after the irresponsible and scandalous judgment not to hold the fixture only demonstrate that the Israel Police has seized authority in the game," Hapoel Tel Aviv said in a statement. The other team has declined to speak, merely stating the match was cancelled. The ruling by the local safety committee to ban the team's supporters from the English fixture on November 6 has triggered extensive disapproval. The British authorities has subsequently stated it is working to overturn the prohibition and investigating what extra measures might be necessary to ensure the fixture can be hosted safely. Aston Villa informed their matchday stewards that they were not required to attend at the fixture, explaining they acknowledged that some "could be worried". On the previous day, local authorities said it endorsed the restriction and designated the fixture as "potentially dangerous" based on intelligence and past events. That included "physical confrontations and bigotry-related acts" among Ajax and their supporters before a game in Amsterdam in late 2024, when more than 60 people were arrested. There have been rallies at several athletic competitions regarding the conflict in Gaza, such as when Israel competed against Norway and Italy in current international matches. Connected themes Football Further coverage Support your side with game reports Posted 2 days ago Listen to the latest sports show Get football news delivered directly to your mobile device Published Mid-August