Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv has officially announced its decision not to accept tickets for its supporters for the upcoming UEFA Europa League match against England’s Aston Villa. This significant stance comes even as there were previous indications that Israeli fans might have been permitted to attend the stadium.
The club’s decision is primarily driven by considerable security concerns communicated by British police authorities. These concerns specifically highlight the potential for pro-Palestinian protests outside Villa Park, Aston Villa’s home ground, which authorities believe could escalate into violence. British authorities’ worries are reportedly intensified by past demonstrations that targeted the Israeli national football team during matches held in Oslo, Norway, and Udine, Italy, providing a clear precedent for such security risks.
In light of these assessments, Maccabi Tel Aviv has stated its agreement with the concerns raised by British authorities. The club formally declared in a statement: “We have decided not to accept any tickets that will be given to our fans. Our decision should be understood by everyone in the context of the current situation.” The club also conveyed a hope for an improved security environment ahead of the return leg match, which is scheduled to take place in England in November.
The broader situation unfolded after the Birmingham City Safety Advisory Group (SAG) had previously recommended that Aston Villa prohibit Israeli fans from attending the fixture. This recommendation was made citing concerns over security and potential public disorder both before and after the game. This initial recommendation, and the subsequent discussions around restricting Israeli supporters, drew sharp criticism from several prominent figures. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly condemned the decision by SAG and the British Police, labeling it as “wrong.” Similarly, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and the Council of the Jewish Council in London voiced their strong disapproval, collectively describing the decision to ban supporters as a “disgrace.”
