Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Banned from Europa League Clash with Aston Villa: Reasons and Key Questions Explained
17 OCT 2025 14:20 | VIEWS: 41
Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv will not be allowed to attend the Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6 at Villa Park in Birmingham. This decision was made due to security concerns related to potential protests and tensions stemming from the Israel-Gaza conflict. The match has been classified as high-risk following an assessment by West Midlands Police, with support from Birmingham's Safety Group. Previous incidents, such as clashes between Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Amsterdam in 2024, have influenced this decision. While some political figures support the move, others, including the UK Prime Minister, have criticized it, arguing that police should ensure the safety of all fans. High-level discussions continue regarding the possibility of revisiting the decision.
SOURCE: Sky Sports