Aston Villa has announced that fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv will not be allowed to attend their upcoming Europa League match at Villa Park on November 6. This decision was made following an instruction from local safety officials to prevent potential public order issues.
🛡️ A Decision Based on Safety
The ban was instructed by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), the official body responsible for ensuring every event at Villa Park is safe for the public. They made this decision based on advice from the West Midlands Police, who expressed serious concerns about maintaining public safety outside the stadium and managing any potential protests on the night of the match.
📜 Learning from Past Events
The local police have officially classified the fixture as “high-risk.” This assessment is based on current intelligence and troubling incidents from past matches. Authorities specifically pointed to a 2024 Europa League game between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam, which involved violent clashes and hate crime offences. That event saw supporters assaulted, following days of tension that also included provocative actions from some visiting fans.
🤝 Villa Prioritises a Safe Environment
In response to the directive, Aston Villa confirmed they are in continuous dialogue with both Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities. The club emphasised that the safety of all supporters, staff, and local residents is their absolute priority and the guiding principle behind this decision.
