Aston Villa and local authorities have banned Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from their Europa League match on November 6 citing security risks, a move condemned by British and Israeli leaders and prompting calls for reversal.
Aston Villa FC has announced that no away supporters will be permitted to attend its upcoming Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6, following concerns raised by West Midlands Police and the Safety Advisory Group (SAG). The decision comes amid warnings of potential protests and unrest, as well as historical incidents involving clashes between fans.
The police advised the SAG that they had “public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.” Villa stated it remained “in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities with the safety of supporters at the forefront of any decision.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the move as inappropriate, saying: “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the ban as “shameful” and urged UK authorities to reverse it. UEFA reiterated that while it supports safe attendance, “the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions … determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments.”