The highly anticipated Tel Aviv derby between historic rivals Maccabi and Hapoel erupted into violent scenes on Saturday, forcing Israeli police to deploy stun grenades and tear gas inside the Bloomfield Stadium to control clashing supporters.
Derby Day Tensions Boil Over
What should have been a celebration of Israeli football's biggest rivalry quickly turned dangerous as fans from both sides began throwing objects and engaging in physical confrontations. The atmosphere, already electric with derby-day tension, became toxic as violence spread through sections of the stadium.
Police Take Extreme Measures
Faced with escalating violence that threatened to overwhelm stadium security, police units were forced to take decisive action. Officers deployed stun grenades and tear gas to separate warring fan groups and restore order, creating surreal scenes of smoke-filled stands at what should have been a premier sporting event.
The match itself became almost secondary as the focus shifted to containing the violence. Players watched in disbelief as security forces worked to bring the situation under control, with the game delayed amid the chaos.
Aftermath and Arrests
Following the intervention, police confirmed multiple arrests as they worked to identify the main instigators of the violence. The incident represents another troubling chapter in the often-volatile relationship between the two clubs' supporter groups.
Despite the dramatic scenes in the stands, the match eventually proceeded under heavy security presence, though the spectacle was forever marred by the disturbing behaviour that forced such extreme police measures at a professional football fixture.
