Maccabi Tel Aviv fans are barred from attending the Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham on November 6 due to safety concerns and potential violence. The decision comes after West Midlands Police (WMP) requested that away fans be prevented from buying tickets, citing public safety issues and the potential for protests. This follows a similar incident in Amsterdam last year, where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were involved in violent clashes with Dutch police, leading to the hospitalization of five individuals and the arrest of 62 people. The WMP's classification of the fixture as high-risk is based on intelligence and previous incidents, including hate crimes. The situation has sparked calls to ban Israeli teams from UEFA competitions due to criticism of Israel's military actions in the war with Hamas. The U.S. State Department had previously expressed concern about a potential ban on Israel in global soccer. The match's proximity to a conflict zone and the significant Muslim population in Birmingham have heightened tensions, with local residents and politicians calling for the game to be canceled or held behind closed doors. UEFA, however, emphasizes its commitment to ensuring fan safety and security, encouraging both teams and authorities to implement appropriate measures. The club is in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities to address safety concerns, but the fixture remains scheduled for November 6, despite the ongoing challenges.
