Tel Aviv derby halted after clashes, police declare unsafe

A Tel Aviv derby between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv was abandoned on Sunday minutes before kickoff after violent clashes inside and outside Bloomfield Stadium prompted police to declare the fixture unsafe and order its cancellation. Israeli police said dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown onto the pitch and that projectiles were hurled as supporters clashed with officers, injuring 12 civilians and three police officers. Nine people were arrested and 16 others detained for questioning, police added.

Footage from the stadium showed flares and dense smoke on the playing surface and confrontations between fans and riot police in the stands and surrounding streets. Players were initially sent back to dressing rooms before officials and police agreed the match could not proceed. Police described the events as “disorderly conduct, riots, object throwing, smoke grenades, fireworks, injured police officers, and damage to stadium infrastructure,” saying the situation posed a risk to human life.

The two clubs offered differing accounts and sharply criticized the response. Hapoel Tel Aviv accused police of using excessive force and of “preparing for a war,...