The rejection of the away allocation by Maccabi Tel Aviv for their Europa League match against Aston Villa has deeply saddened the Government. The decision to block visiting fans from attending the game on November 6 was made by the local Safety Advisory Group following a risk assessment by West Midlands Police. This move sparked immediate criticism from politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed disappointment over the exclusion of supporters, stating that it marginalized Jewish people. Despite efforts to address concerns, Maccabi Tel Aviv chose not to send fans to the match.
A Government spokesperson highlighted the importance of ensuring football fans can enjoy games without fear of violence or intimidation. While respecting Maccabi’s decision, the spokesperson condemned any attempt to use the match to incite violence or division, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism and extremism.
In response, Maccabi Tel Aviv issued a statement acknowledging past challenges and prioritizing fan safety by declining the away fan allocation. They expressed hope for future games in Birmingham under safer conditions.
West Midlands Police categorized the fixture as “high risk” based on intelligence and previous incidents, referencing violent clashes and hate crimes during a past UEFA Europa League match involving Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Independent MP Ayoub Khan criticized attempts to portray the situation as a religious issue, emphasizing the need to differentiate policing from matters of faith.
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