Tel Aviv, Israel — Israeli soccer powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv has announced it will decline any ticket allocations for their upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6, citing safety concerns for its fans. The decision comes despite growing international pressure to reverse a ban imposed by West Midlands Police in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Background: Fan Ban and Security Risks

West Midlands Police deemed the Villa Park fixture a high-risk match, referencing violent incidents involving Maccabi fans during last season’s Europa League clash against Ajax in Amsterdam. The ban on traveling supporters sparked criticism from multiple quarters, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the decision as disproportionate.

In a social media statement, Maccabi Tel Aviv emphasized that the decision was centered on fan safety. “The wellbeing and safety of our fans is paramount,” the club said. “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.”

Political and Social Context

The controversy unfolds amid heightened concerns over antisemitism in the UK, following a recent deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue. It also coincides with pro-Palestinian protests calling for a boycott of Israeli teams due to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

The UK government pledged extra police resources to ensure a safe match for both teams’ supporters. However, in response to Maccabi’s decision, officials expressed disappointment: “It is completely unacceptable that this game has been weaponized to stoke violence and fear,” the statement read.

History of Fan Violence

Although Aston Villa and Maccabi fans have no history of clashes, Maccabi supporters have been involved in incidents abroad. Last season in Amsterdam, fans clashed with local residents, resulting in dozens of arrests and five hospitalizations. Some of the incidents included antisemitic and anti-Arab chants, which were widely condemned.

Domestically, tensions have also escalated. During a recent Tel Aviv derby at Bloomfield Stadium between Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv, flares and smoke grenades forced police to abandon the match due to safety concerns. Similar security challenges were observed in Italy during a World Cup qualifier between Italian and Israeli national teams, requiring heavy police measures.

European Competition and Future Matches

The upcoming Villa Park match would have been Maccabi’s first away Europa League fixture since pro-Palestinian protests in Thessaloniki, Greece, during a game against PAOK on September 24. About 120 Israeli fans attended that match under tight police control.

UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, had considered suspending Israeli teams amid the conflict in Gaza, though the recent ceasefire has postponed such discussions.

Maccabi’s Position on Fan Conduct and Inclusion

Maccabi Tel Aviv emphasized the inclusive nature of its club. “Soccer should bring people together, not divide them,” the club stated. Its first-team squad includes Muslim, Christian, and Jewish players, and the fan base spans multiple ethnic and religious communities. The club has actively worked to combat racism among extreme fan elements, noting that critics have sometimes misrepresented the broader fan community.

The statement concluded with hope for a future resolution: “We hope that circumstances will change and look forward to being able to play in Birmingham in a sporting environment in the near future.”