Israeli police said they canceled the match, which was held at Bloomfield Stadium, due to “public disorder and violent riots.”
They said: “Dozens of smoke bombs and fireworks were thrown.
He added: “Disorderly behaviour, riots, injuries to police officers, damage to infrastructure – this is not a football game, this is a breach of order and serious violence.”
Hapoel Tel Aviv said: “The shocking events that took place outside the stadium and after the reckless and scandalous decision not to hold the match only prove that the Israeli police have taken control of the sport.”
The club said that “most of the injuries resulting from the event were in fact caused by brutal police violence.”
They added: “It is self-evident that the club’s management condemns all acts of violence, and will fight law violators, even if they are wearing uniforms.”
Villa told the match stewards that they did not have to work the match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, saying some “may have concerns”, before the decision to ban fans.
West Midlands Police said on Thursday it upheld the ban and classified the match as “high risk” based on intelligence and previous incidents.
This included “violent clashes and hate crimes” between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a match in Amsterdam in November 2024, when more than 60 people were arrested.
There have been protests at various sporting events over the war in Gaza, including when Israel played Norway and Italy in recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers.