Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv has announced that it will not be selling tickets to its fans for the upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6. This decision follows a ruling by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to block the attendance of visiting fans, based on a risk assessment by West Midlands Police. The decision has sparked immediate backlash from politicians, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite efforts by the UK government to ensure the safety of all fans, Maccabi stated that the safety of their supporters is a priority, and based on past experiences, they have opted not to sell tickets to visiting fans.

In their statement, the club expressed hope that the circumstances would change, allowing them to play in Birmingham in a peaceful sporting environment soon. Maccabi also emphasized their efforts to combat racism within their ranks, noting that most of their fans do not engage in racist or hooligan behavior. The club lamented that certain groups are attempting to portray Maccabi fans negatively, using isolated incidents for social and political purposes.

Recently, a derby between Maccabi and their rivals Hapoel was canceled following clashes between fans, which resulted in several injuries, including to police officers. Independent Birmingham MP Ayub Khan labeled Maccabi fans as "hooligans" and demanded an apology from the Prime Minister for his criticism of the ban.

From a sports analyst's perspective, the situation is complex and requires a careful approach. It is crucial for football to be played in a safe environment, but it is also necessary to find a balance between safety and the right of fans to support their teams. There is hope that in the future, solutions will be found that allow all supporters to attend matches without risking their safety.