No Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Allowed for Aston Villa Europa League Match
Aston Villa Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Away supporters will not be allowed to attend their Europa League match away to Aston Villa due to safety concerns raised by local authorities.
West Midlands Police expressed worries about managing potential protests during the Israeli team’s visit to Villa Park on Thursday, 6 November. The Safety Advisory Group, which issues safety certificates for matches, informed Aston Villa that no travelling fans would be permitted for the game in Birmingham.
Aston Villa confirmed the update, saying:
“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process. The safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents is at the forefront of any decision.”
West Midlands Police Label the Match “High Risk”
West Midlands Police announced that the fixture has been classified as “high risk” following a detailed assessment.
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A spokesperson said:
“This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.
Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.”
The police’s assessment came after violent incidents linked to previous European fixtures involving the Israeli club.
Politicians Condemn the Decision
Several politicians have criticised the move, calling it unfair and damaging. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was “the wrong decision.”
Nigel Huddleston, MP for Droitwich and Evesham, also condemned the ban and called for the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to investigate. He wrote on social media:
“Football and sport has enormous power to unite. This decision gives in to the forces of hatred and division.
Are we seriously saying that in modern Britain we cannot guarantee the safety of Jewish people on our streets and in our sports grounds? I’m not OK with that.
Every effort should be made by all stakeholders to overturn this decision.”
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Sir Keir Starmer also posted on social media platform X, stating that the “role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the move a “national disgrace.”
History of Security Incidents
In 2023, 39 people were arrested after violence erupted ahead of Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League match against Legia Warsaw.
There have also been protests at sporting events related to the war in Gaza, including when Israel’s national team played Norway and Italy in recent World Cup qualifiers.
The 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam saw arrests following violent clashes. Local authorities in Amsterdam described those incidents as a “toxic combination of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger” over the conflict in Gaza and the wider Middle East.
A ceasefire in Gaza came into effect on 10 October, but tensions remain high across Europe when Israeli teams travel for matches.
UEFA’s Stance on the Situation
UEFA, European football’s governing body, said it wants fans to be able to travel and support their teams in a “safe, secure, and welcoming environment.”
A UEFA spokesperson told Reuters:
“In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory.”
This means the decision to ban away fans ultimately lies with the local British authorities rather than UEFA itself.
The decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the Europa League game at Aston Villa has sparked strong political debate and public reaction. While local authorities argue it is necessary for safety, critics believe it sends the wrong message about freedom and inclusion in sport.
With heightened tensions following recent global events, the focus remains on ensuring that football remains a space for unity and fair play.
FAQs
Q1. Why are Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from attending the match at Villa Park?
A. They are banned due to safety concerns raised by West Midlands Police, who classified the game as “high risk.”
Q2. When is the Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match scheduled?
A. The match is set to take place on Thursday, 6 November.
Q3. What did Aston Villa say about the decision?
A. The club said it is in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, prioritizing the safety of fans and residents.
Q4. How did politicians react to the ban?
A. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and MP Nigel Huddleston criticised the decision, while Kemi Badenoch called it a “national disgrace.”
Q5. What is UEFA’s position on this matter?
A. UEFA said it supports safe fan travel but confirmed that local authorities are responsible for security decisions for matches in their territories.
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