Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv have been banned from attending a Europa League match at Aston Villa in November due to apparent security concerns, the English soccer club announced on Thursday.
In a statement, Villa explained that the local police department advised them of “public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.”
“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process,” Villa added, “with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.”
Villa’s decision has drawn significant criticism, including from United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it “the wrong decision.”
“We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets,” Starmer said in a Twitter post. “The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”
According to West Midlands Police, as reported by ESPN, the force has a proven record of managing soccer games and other public events considered high-risk.
This upcoming match at Villa Park will mark Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first Europa League away game since pro-Palestinian protests erupted in Thessaloniki, Greece during their September 24 clash against PAOK.
https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/16/aston-villa-maccabi-tel-aviv-fans-ban-europa-league-soccer/
