The cancellation of the highly anticipated derby match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Sunday has sparked widespread outrage, with eyewitnesses attributing the violence to politically motivated actions by the Israeli police. Sources, including sports analysts, local residents, and fans, have pointed to a significant escalation in police brutality since the appointment of ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir as National Security Minister in 2022. This incident has drawn attention to the broader political climate in Israel, where the government’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank have intensified scrutiny on domestic football. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, already under fire for their controversial behavior during European matches, were initially blamed for the violence. However, witnesses and journalists have countered that the police instigated the clashes, leading to injuries among civilians and officers. Videos and photographs depict shocking scenes of police brutality, including the use of force against children and fans. The incident has highlighted the deep political divisions within Israeli society, with Hapoel Tel Aviv, historically associated with the left, bearing the brunt of the violence. Critics argue that the police, emboldened by Ben Gvir’s leadership, are increasingly targeting dissent. The cancellation of the match has reignited debates about the role of politics in sports and the growing tensions within Israeli football.