Fans of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv have been barred from attending their upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa in the United Kingdom due to safety concerns, the English club confirmed. The decision follows guidance from the Birmingham City Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and local police, citing risks to public safety based on prior incidents.

Security Concerns Prompt Fan Ban

The SAG, responsible for issuing safety certificates for Villa Park, informed Aston Villa that Maccabi Tel Aviv away supporters would not be permitted at the stadium for the Thursday, November 6, 2025 fixture.

West Midlands Police classified the match as high-risk, referencing previous violent incidents, including clashes during the 2024 UEFA Europa League game between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam, which resulted in dozens of arrests and five imprisonments.

“Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety,” the police said.

Reports indicated that past clashes involved pro-Palestinian supporters and Israeli fans, with allegations of provocation, assaults, and racist chants, further intensifying tensions.

Reactions from Officials and Organizations

The fan ban has drawn criticism from both political and community leaders.

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the decision as “wrong,” emphasizing that police should ensure all fans can enjoy football safely.
• Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the ban “shameful” and urged UK authorities to reverse it.
• The Jewish Leadership Council criticized the measure as “perverse,” arguing that Aston Villa should face consequences and suggesting the match be played behind closed doors.

Broader Controversy Surrounding Israeli Football

The decision comes amid growing calls to ban Israeli football teams from international competitions due to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Advocacy groups, including Game Over Israel, have documented what they describe as the “systematic instrumentalization of football culture” to support state violence, including stadium racism and athlete repression.

Over 30 legal experts recently wrote to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, citing United Nations findings on Israel’s actions in Gaza and urging a ban of Israeli teams from competitions.

“The failure of the Israel Football Association to challenge these violations implicates it in this system of oppression,” the experts wrote, emphasizing UEFA’s responsibility to prevent complicity in human rights violations.

Implications for European Football

The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans highlights ongoing tensions in European football surrounding political and human rights issues. UEFA and local authorities face a difficult balancing act, aiming to protect public safety while addressing allegations of discrimination, violence, and broader geopolitical concerns.