The rejection of the away allocation by Maccabi Tel Aviv for their Europa League match with Aston Villa has deeply saddened the Government. The decision came after the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) blocked visiting fans from attending the game on November 6 following a risk assessment by West Midlands Police, sparking criticism from politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Jewish fans, emphasizing that efforts were made to address concerns. Despite these efforts, Maccabi Tel Aviv chose not to send their supporters to the match, leading to the Government expressing sadness over the decision. A Government spokesperson highlighted the importance of ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for football fans, condemning any attempts to incite violence or fear.
In response, Maccabi Tel Aviv stated that they prioritize the safety of their fans, citing past experiences as the reason for declining the away fan allocation. They expressed hope for future opportunities to play in Birmingham under better circumstances.
West Midlands Police classified the fixture as “high risk” based on intelligence and past incidents, including clashes and hate crimes during a previous Europa League match involving Maccabi Tel Aviv. Independent MP Ayoub Khan raised concerns about the issue being misconstrued as a religious matter rather than a policing decision.
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