On today’s episode of Greatest Games, in association with The Blizzard, we’re joined by Nicholas Blincoe, the author of ‘More Noble Than War: A Football History of Israel and Palestine.’ We’re heading to that part of the world for today’s match as we take a look at the 1928 Tel Aviv Derby, where Maccabi took on Hapoel for the first time.

In these clubs’ formative years, football was an entirely different proposition in Israel-Palestine. Initially seen as too individualistic a sport, it was gradually introduced by the British military and helped by mass immigration of younger people from Austro-Hungarian cities after the First World War. Jonathan, Marcus and Nicholas discuss the background around the two sides, each formed of an entirely different demographic, as well as the 3-0 Maccabi win and its historical significance.

For more stories from the annals of football history, visit www.theblizzard.co.uk to explore their archives that contain over 700 articles of stories just like this one!

Our live tour starts very soon! Join us at venues across England, Europe, USA and Canada for Football Ramble Live - expect all your old favourites (including Pete Donaldson), brand new games and a load of laughs. Get your tickets now at ramblelive.com!

Fancy getting in touch? Email us at [email protected] or find us social media— just search 'Football Ramble Daily'.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

No cliches. No ex-pros like Peter Crouch or The Rest is Football. Just the funniest football conversation out there. Your guardian for the season, daily not weekly. Stick to the Ramble, totally.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.