Maccabi Tel Aviv, an Israeli football club, has announced it will not accept any ticket allocation for their Europa League match against Aston Villa, even if the initial ban on their supporters is lifted, citing safety concerns due to a “toxic atmosphere.”
Safety Concerns Prompt Ticket Refusal
Last week, Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), responsible for issuing match safety certificates, informed Aston Villa that no away fans would be allowed at the November 6 Europa League fixture at Villa Park. This decision, backed by West Midlands Police, was based on the match being deemed “high risk” due to prior incidents, notably violent clashes during Maccabi’s 2024 Europa League game against Ajax in Amsterdam. However, Maccabi Tel Aviv stated that their decision to decline tickets stems from fears for fan safety, emphasizing that the hostile environment created makes attendance risky. The club’s statement highlighted their commitment to fan well-being, noting, “From hard lessons learned, we have taken the decision to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans.”
Political and Community Reactions to the Ban
The initial ban sparked widespread criticism, with UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy pledging to secure resources to allow Maccabi fans to attend. Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the decision “wrong,” stressing that antisemitism would not be tolerated and that fans should enjoy matches without fear. The UK government expressed disappointment at Maccabi’s refusal of tickets but respected their choice, with a spokesperson condemning the politicization of the match as “completely unacceptable.” The controversy was further fueled by a recent cancellation of a Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv due to riots, though Maccabi clarified their fans were not responsible. The FARE Network, which monitors discrimination for UEFA, supported the police’s risk assessment, while Nandy noted the broader context of rising antisemitism, including a recent synagogue attack in Manchester.
Implications for Future Matches and Events
Maccabi Tel Aviv emphasized that their fans have traveled across Europe without incident and rejected claims that their behavior justified the ban. The club expressed gratitude for the UK government’s efforts to ensure safety and called for football to unite rather than divide. Aston Villa had previously informed matchday stewards they could opt out of working the fixture due to potential concerns. The decision by Maccabi to forgo tickets averts a potential conflict with UK authorities but raises questions about the initial risk assessment and Birmingham’s ability to host future international sporting events, such as the 2026 European Athletics Championships and UEFA Euro 2028. Critics argue the situation reflects poorly on the UK, while others see it as a relief given the police’s concerns.
