Copyright GIVEMESPORT
The UK Football Policing Unit has contacted Israeli authorities following violent scenes during the Tel Aviv derby over the weekend, GMS understands. The move comes as officials prepare for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s upcoming trip to Aston Villa early next month in the UEFA Europa League. Israeli police confirmed that the match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv was abandoned after outbreaks of violence and what authorities described as “serious risks to human life”. The derby, one of the most heated fixtures in Israeli football, descended into chaos as fans clashed both inside and outside Bloomfield Stadium. Clarity Wanted Ahead of European Clash at Villa Park In a statement posted on X, Israeli police said: “Dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown. This is not a football game - this is disorder and serious violence.” The situation escalated to the point where officers intervened to disperse crowds and restore order, with several arrests reportedly made on the night. With Maccabi Tel Aviv set to face Aston Villa in Birmingham in just a few weeks, UK officials are eager to gain a full understanding of what happened and ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place ahead of the European clash. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister addressed the matter on Monday, saying: “We absolutely recognise the concerns raised by police due to previous incidents in Europe and, of course, we acknowledge events over the last few days, and we condemn any violent behaviour. “We understand the UK Football Policing Unit are reaching out to their Israeli counterparts to gain an understanding of what happened at last night’s match in Tel Aviv. But, as we’ve said, we want to ensure that all fans can enjoy the Aston Villa game safely early next month.” The Football Policing Unit, which liaises with clubs, UEFA, and law enforcement agencies across Europe, is now working to determine whether the disorder in Tel Aviv could have any impact on security plans for the fixture at Villa Park. Sources have described cooperation between UK and Israeli authorities as “constructive”, with both sides keen to ensure there are no safety issues when Maccabi Tel Aviv travel to England. The UK Government also said today that they would do “everything in their power” to ensure that all fans can enjoy the game safely at Villa Park next month. Following the alarming scenes over the weekend, officials remain determined to make sure the focus next month stays firmly on football - not violence.
