Villa Alert Stewards About Potential Absence for Maccabi Tel Aviv Match
Aston Villa Football Club has been alerted about a potential absence of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans for their upcoming match, following a decision influenced by public safety concerns.
A High-Risk Match Classification
On Thursday, West Midlands Police classified the fixture as “high risk.” This classification is a response to previous violent incidents involving fans of Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, particularly an event in November 2024 in Amsterdam, where over 60 arrests were made.
- Fixture Date: Under consideration
- Classification: High risk by West Midlands Police
- Previous Incidents: Violent clashes and hate-crime offenses in Amsterdam
- Arrests Made: More than 60
Government Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticized the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, describing it as “wrong.” He emphasized the importance of standing against antisemitism in society.
Concerns from Aston Villa
Aston Villa confirmed receiving notification about the ban following guidance from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG). The club stated that West Midlands Police expressed concerns regarding public safety outside the stadium and managing potential protests during the match.
In light of these developments, Aston Villa remains in ongoing discussions with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities. The club prioritizes the safety of both supporters and local residents.
Future Review of Decisions
The SAG, which includes representatives from Aston Villa, local authorities, police, and emergency services, will reassess the situation should West Midlands Police alter its risk assessment. Birmingham City Council confirmed this evaluation process.
In summary, the classification of the upcoming match as high risk has prompted significant actions and discussions among various stakeholders to ensure public safety remains a priority.
