Aston Villa Bans Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Due to Safety Concerns
Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters will not be allowed to attend the upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6, due to safety concerns. The West Midlands Police announced this decision following an evaluation of potential risks associated with the match.
Background of the Decision
The prohibition stems partially from incidents involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans during a previous match in Amsterdam. Last year, when Maccabi faced Ajax, many fans experienced antisemitic attacks, resulting in numerous arrests. This event raised alarms regarding fan safety for the upcoming match.
Reactions to the Ban
The decision has sparked widespread reactions. The Jewish Leadership Council openly criticized the ban, calling it “perverse” and stating that it reflects a failure to ensure safety for away fans. They suggested that Aston Villa should face repercussions for this situation and proposed that the match should instead be held without an audience.
- Jewish Leadership Council denounced the decision
- Advocated for Aston Villa to face consequences
- Proposed that the match be played behind closed doors
Independent MP Ayoub Khan, representing Birmingham Perry Barr, expressed his support for the ban. He stressed the need for such measures due to the “hostility and uncertainty” surrounding the match. Khan referenced the petition he co-signed with fellow MP Jeremy Corbyn, which gathered 3,861 signatures advocating for this decision.
Safety Assessment
In a statement, Aston Villa emphasized that the decision was made following guidance from the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG). This group, which collaborates with various agencies, recommended barring Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the game based on safety evaluations.
- The SAG coordinated a multi-agency meeting
- Concerns were raised about potential protests
- Police classified the match as “high risk”
Police Statements
West Midlands Police reiterated their stance on public safety. They noted that the decision was informed by current intelligence and past incidents, including violent confrontations during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match in Amsterdam. The police maintain a commitment to combating hate crimes and ensuring community safety.
The local authorities collectively supported the decision to restrict away fan attendance for the anticipated match, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. As the match day approaches, both Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv remain engaged in discussions concerning the safety of all individuals involved.
