BIRMINGHAM: The upcoming Europa League showdown between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv has taken a tense turn after authorities announced that no away fans will be allowed at Villa Park, citing serious public safety concerns.
The decision, made by the West Midlands Police and the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), has sparked outrage both in the UK and Israel. Officials claim the restriction was imposed following risk assessments that warned of potential unrest and protests around the stadium during the November 6 fixture.
Aston Villa stated that the move was necessary to ensure the safety of spectators and local residents, emphasizing that all discussions with UEFA and Maccabi Tel Aviv were conducted “in good faith.” The club said it regretted the inconvenience but would “prioritize safety above all else.”
The ban, however, has triggered a political backlash. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly condemned the decision as “wrong,” urging authorities to protect fans rather than exclude them. Similarly, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denounced the move as “shameful,” demanding an immediate review.
UEFA, while distancing itself from the controversy, noted that the final say on crowd management lies with local authorities based on their assessment of security risks. The decision comes amid rising concerns over politically charged protests during international football matches across Europe.
This isn’t the first time Maccabi supporters have faced such restrictions. A similar incident occurred in Amsterdam last year, where violent clashes between Maccabi fans and pro-Palestinian demonstrators led to arrests and heightened security alerts.
The development has reignited debate over the intersection of politics and sport, as many argue that football stadiums should remain neutral grounds rather than battlegrounds for global tensions.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.