Aston Villa commenced their Europa League home campaign last month with a victory against Bologna.
Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters will be prohibited from attending their Europa League away fixture against Aston Villa due to security concerns.
West Midlands Police has expressed apprehensions regarding their capacity to manage potential demonstrations when the Israeli team plays at Villa Park on Thursday, November 6.
The Safety Advisory Group, the entity responsible for issuing safety certifications for matches, has informed Aston Villa that no visiting fans will be permitted at the Birmingham match.
Aston Villa stated: “The club maintains continuous communication with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities throughout this ongoing process.”
“The safety of supporters attending the match and the well-being of local residents are paramount in any decision.”
West Midlands Police has classified the upcoming game as “high risk” following a “comprehensive assessment.”
A spokesperson stated: “This decision is informed by current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offenses that transpired during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.”
“Based on our professional judgment, we believe this measure will effectively mitigate risks to public safety.”
“While Birmingham City Council issues the safety certificate, West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending.”
UEFA, European football’s governing body, has expressed its desire for fans to be able to travel and support their team in a “safe, secure, and welcoming environment.”
UEFA told Reuters: “In all instances, the competent local authorities retain responsibility for decisions pertaining to the safety and security of matches held within their jurisdiction.”
Arrests were made following outbreaks of violence before the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in November of the previous year.
Amsterdam officials characterized the violence as a “toxic combination of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger” related to the conflict in Gaza, Israel, and other areas of the Middle East.
A ceasefire in Gaza took effect on October 10.
Nigel Huddleston, Member of Parliament for Droitwich and Evesham, has criticized the decision and has reportedly requested Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to investigate.
He stated on social media:, external “Football and sport possess considerable power to unite. This decision capitulates to forces of hatred and division.”
“Are we seriously suggesting that in contemporary Britain, we cannot ensure the safety of Jewish individuals on our streets and within our sports venues? I find that unacceptable.”
“All stakeholders should exert every effort to overturn this decision.”
Protests have occurred at various sporting events concerning the war in Gaza, including during Israel’s national team matches against Norway and Italy in recent World Cup qualifiers.
Thirty-nine individuals were arrested following outbreaks of violence in the lead-up to Aston Villa’s match against Legia Warsaw in 2023.
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