Aston Villa Bars Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans from Europa League Clash

Aston Villa will not allow away supporters to attend their upcoming Europa League match against Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park on November 6, 2024. The decision came after the match was designated a “high risk” event by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), primarily due to safety concerns stemming from previous incidents involving fan violence and hate crimes.

West Midlands Police announced that the ban on travelling fans is based on intelligence regarding potential risks associated with the match. They cited violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during a previous match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam as contributing factors to the decision.

In a statement, Aston Villa confirmed they received instructions from the SAG, which oversees safety certificates for all events at Villa Park. The club emphasized that the safety of attendees and local residents remains their top priority. The SAG’s formal communication to the club and UEFA outlined the prohibition on away fans, reinforcing the police’s concerns about public safety during potential protests on match day.

West Midlands Police has a robust history of effectively managing high-risk events, and a spokesperson reiterated their commitment to balancing the public’s right to protest with the need for safety. They underscored that the decision to bar away fans was supported by thorough assessments and current intelligence.

“We remain steadfast in our support of all affected communities, and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime in all its forms,” the police representative stated.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. The Jewish Leadership Council, which advocates for the safety of British Jews, criticized the ban, calling it “perverse” that fans should be excluded because of safety concerns. They suggested that Aston Villa should face consequences for this decision, proposing that the match be played behind closed doors instead.

Conversely, independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, Ayoub Khan, expressed support for the ban, stating that the level of “hostility and uncertainty” surrounding the match warranted such measures. He argued that it was “only right to take drastic measures” in light of the circumstances.

As the date approaches, Aston Villa continues to engage in discussions with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, prioritizing safety while navigating this complex situation.