Maccabi Tel Aviv spokesperson reveals who is to blame for cancelled derby

Maccabi Tel Aviv distanced itself from the turmoil that led to the derby match against Hapoel being called off before kick-off on Sunday, ahead of their trip to Aston Villa in November.

Maccabi fans have been banned from attending their Europa League match away to Villa next month amid safety concerns, a decision that was strongly criticized last week by a number of politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

A spokesman for No 10 Downing Street said on Friday that discussions were taking place “at pace across government” to overturn the ban.

On Sunday, the Tel Aviv derby was canceled before kick-off, with reports of smoke bombs and flares being thrown, but Maccabi insists its fans did nothing to contribute to the cancellation of the match.

Maccabi Tel Aviv sends a statement after the riots that canceled the local derby

A club spokesman told the PA news agency: “Maccabi Tel Aviv would like to clarify that the reason given for canceling the derby match hosted by Hapoel Tel Aviv yesterday – contrary to what some (foreign) media reported – was the result of fireworks thrown on the field by fans of our opponent Hapoel Tel Aviv, and not the visit of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.”

West Midlands Police said last week it had backed the Local Safety Advisory Group’s decision to ban visiting fans from attending the Europa League match against Villa, after classifying the match as “high risk”.

They said the decision was “based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crimes that occurred during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.”

The match will be held at Villa Park against the backdrop of ongoing tension in the Middle East.

Fare, which reported incidents of discrimination from national team matches and European competitions to UEFA, told the Palestinian Authority that it was “reluctant to question” the decision to ban Maccabi fans, adding that Maccabi fans were “known for their racism.”

The PA understands that Fire have made multiple reports of discriminatory behavior by Maccabi fans inside stadiums over the past ten years.

McCabe is aware of Fire’s comments but has yet to comment on them or on the decision by the authorities in Birmingham to ban their supporters.

Hapoel issued a statement on its website regarding the cancellation of the derby on Sunday, criticizing the police for “preparing for a war and not a sporting event.”

“The horrific events that took place outside the stadium and the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the match only show that the Israeli police have taken control of the industry,” Hapoel said.

“When we asked for clarifications in real time, we were met with a contemptuous and insulting attitude.

“It goes without saying that the club’s management condemns all manifestations of violence, and will fight those who violate the law, even if they are wearing uniforms.”

Media reports in Israel stated that Tel Aviv police arrested five people on suspicion of disturbing public order, and 51 flare or smoke bombs were thrown on the field.