Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Blocked from Attending Europa League Match in the UK
Fans of the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv have been prohibited from attending an upcoming UEFA Europa League match against Aston Villa in the UK. This decision, made by Birmingham City’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), stems from concerns regarding public safety and the potential for violent protests during the event.
Safety Concerns Prompt Ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans
The match is scheduled for November 6, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham. Aston Villa confirmed in a statement that they had received instructions from the SAG indicating that away supporters would not be allowed at the match. The SAG oversees safety regulations for sporting events and deemed the presence of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans as a risk.
Police Classification of High Risk
West Midlands Police classified the fixture as high risk due to prior incidents involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters. These concerns were amplified by violent clashes that occurred during a previous match in Amsterdam between Maccabi and Ajax in 2024. The police noted that past intelligence pointed to issues such as hate crimes and security threats.
- Incident in Amsterdam: Clashes led to numerous arrests and injuries.
- High risk classification arrived from past violence and ongoing tensions.
Responses and Criticism of the Ban
The ban has sparked significant backlash. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the decision as “the wrong decision,” stating that it undermines the ability of all fans to enjoy the game without fear. He also stressed the importance of combating antisemitism while ensuring safety at football matches.
Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, criticized the ruling as “shameful” and urged UK authorities to reconsider the ban. The Jewish Leadership Council also condemned the decision, arguing it was unjust for away fans to be excluded due to police concerns over safety.
Calls for Broader Action Against Israeli Football Teams
Amid the controversy, movements to ban Israeli football teams from international competitions have gained traction. Campaign groups, such as Game Over Israel, assert that there is overwhelming evidence of the exploitation of sports amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Legal experts have also appealed to UEFA, calling for the exclusion of Israeli teams from tournaments.
- Over 30 legal experts have written to UEFA’s President calling for action.
- Reports allege ongoing violence and violations related to sports and the conflict.
This situation exemplifies the intersection of sports, politics, and public safety, highlighting the complexities involved in contemporary sporting events amidst rising tensions. As the match date approaches, discussions concerning the implications of such bans continue to evolve.
