Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Prohibited from Attending Europa League Match at Aston Villa

In a significant decision, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have been barred from attending the upcoming Europa League match at Aston Villa, scheduled for November 6. This prohibition arises from safety concerns expressed by West Midlands police, who have deemed the event as “high risk.” Their evaluation is rooted in current intelligence and historical events, particularly referencing violent clashes that occurred during the prior match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.

Key Reasons for Prohibition

• Classification of the fixture as “high risk” by West Midlands police.
• Previously reported violent incidents tied to Maccabi Tel Aviv fans during an earlier match.
• Concerns for the safety of supporters and local residents at Villa Park.

Authorities’ Statements

The local safety advisory group has instructed Aston Villa to deny entry to away fans for this match. The club has emphasized their ongoing communication with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities to prioritize safety.

Historical Context of Violence

This decision stems from serious disturbances that took place during the previous match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. An investigation revealed that Maccabi fans were involved in violent acts such as tearing down and burning a Palestinian flag. This led to several injuries among fans after the match, with about 62 arrests made for various public order offenses.

Reactions from Organizations

• The Jewish Leadership Council criticized the decision, arguing that it was unfair to ban away fans due to police failure to ensure safety.
• The Palestine Solidarity Campaign called for the cancellation of the match entirely, citing broader political concerns.
• Birmingham’s Independent MP, Ayoub Khan, supported the Safety Advisory Group’s decision, citing the need for caution.

Broader Implications

This scenario also reflects a wider trend where clubs and local authorities are taking preemptive action in response to safety issues surrounding international matches. Similar measures were observed recently, where Ajax fans were barred from an away game in Marseille due to safety concerns, illustrating the challenges involved in managing fan security at football events.