Maccabi Tel Aviv has announced that it will not sell tickets to its fans for the upcoming UEFA Europa League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park on November 6, 2023. This decision follows a ruling by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which opted to block visiting supporters from attending the match based on a risk assessment conducted by West Midlands Police.
In a statement, Maccabi Tel Aviv emphasized that the safety and well-being of its fans are of utmost importance. The club explained, “From hard lessons learned, we have taken the decision to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans, and our decision should be understood in that context.” They expressed hope that circumstances could change in the future, allowing for a sporting environment conducive to all fans.
The announcement has sparked backlash from various political figures, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Following public outcry, the UK government indicated on Friday that it is exploring “additional resources and support” to facilitate attendance for all fans at the match.
Maccabi’s statement also addressed the motivations behind the ban, stating, “We acknowledge the efforts of the UK government and police to ensure both sets of fans can attend the match safely.” They highlighted the diverse composition of their team and fan base, stating, “Our first-team squad consists of Muslims, Christian and Jewish players and our fan base also crosses the ethnic and religious divide.”
The club criticized the portrayal of its supporters, asserting that most fans do not align with racism or hooliganism. They remarked, “It is clear that various entrenched groups seek to malign the Maccabi Tel Aviv fan base, most of whom have no truck with racism or hooliganism of any kind.”
Tensions within the football community have escalated recently, evidenced by the cancellation of the Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi and rival Hapoel, following violent clashes among supporters. Reports indicate that 12 individuals and three police officers sustained injuries during these incidents.
Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, Ayoub Khan, has labeled Maccabi’s fans as “hooligans” and called for an apology from Starmer regarding his previous comments about the ban. In a separate statement, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy criticized the decision to exclude the supporters, describing it as a choice that “chooses exclusion” of Jewish individuals.
In response to an urgent question in the House of Commons from former Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston, Nandy stated that while the final decision rests with the police, the country should be “appalled” by the initial risk assessment. She claimed that the assessment was influenced by the identity of the fans attending, specifically their Israeli and Jewish backgrounds.
West Midlands Police had classified the fixture as “high risk,” citing current intelligence and prior incidents, including violent clashes and hate crimes linked to a previous Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.
As the situation unfolds, the footballing community remains on alert, calling for resolutions that prioritize safety while ensuring inclusivity for all fans.
