Last month, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were prohibited from attending the Europa League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park, a decision that sparked immediate backlash from various politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The Israeli club subsequently announced it would not sell tickets to its fans for the upcoming fixture, citing safety concerns in relation to ongoing protests linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Authorities have deployed more than 700 police officers to maintain order during the match, which has been deemed “high risk” by West Midlands Police. The police presence will include officers on horseback, specialist dogs, and a drone unit, as demonstrations from multiple groups are anticipated on the day of the game. This policing strategy follows an assessment that highlighted potential risks, referencing previous violent incidents during a 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
In a statement addressing the situation, Maccabi Tel Aviv emphasized their commitment to the safety of their fans, elaborating that the decision to decline the ticket allocation should be viewed in light of lessons learned from past events. They expressed hope that conditions might improve in the future, allowing for matches to be played safely in Birmingham.
The UK Government has pledged to attempt to reverse the ban, striving to ensure the safety of fans who wish to attend. The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport remarked on their disappointment regarding Maccabi’s decision to not sell tickets, underscoring the ongoing concern for fan security in light of recent disturbances in football.
The decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters was made following a recommendation from Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group, which consulted with West Midlands Police. Safety Advisory Groups play a critical advisory role in public safety for events deemed to carry significant risks. However, they do not possess legal authority to enforce or prohibit events directly, leaving primary responsibility with event organizers.
Birmingham Police Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce acknowledged that protests are expected, emphasizing the need to balance the right to demonstrate with public safety. In preparation for significant disruptions, local schools near Villa Park will close early on the day of the match.
Past incidents involving Maccabi Tel Aviv, specifically the violent clashes during the recent match in Amsterdam, highlights the complexities and risks associated with such events. Arrests in Amsterdam further amplify the urgency to maintain safety during gatherings involving mixed groups with differing political and social sentiments.
Criticism of the ban has come from various quarters, including calls from West Midlands’ police and crime commissioner for an immediate review of the decision and comments from Labour and Conservative leaders condemning the restriction on fans. The Jewish Leadership Council expressed concern over the ban, highlighting the paradox of denying attendance to supporters based on safety issues.
While incidents resulting in the denial of fan attendance have occurred previously, particularly related to safety, this situation reflects broader tensions amid the Israel-Gaza conflict and ongoing debates regarding the implications of political protests on sporting events.