No Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters will be allowed to attend the Europa League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Thursday, 6 November, due to safety concerns.
The decision follows advice from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which issues safety certificates for matches at Villa Park. West Midlands Police raised concerns about managing potential protests outside the stadium during the Israeli team’s visit.
In a statement, Aston Villa said they had been formally informed that no away fans would be permitted to attend the fixture. The club added that they remain in “continuous dialogue” with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, stressing that “the safety of supporters and local residents is at the forefront of any decision.”
West Midlands Police confirmed the match has been classified as “high risk” after a full assessment. A spokesperson said the decision was based on “current intelligence and previous incidents,” including violent clashes and hate crime offences that took place during a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam last year.
UEFA said it aims to ensure supporters can attend games in a “safe, secure, and welcoming environment,” but confirmed that local authorities are responsible for final safety and security decisions for matches in their areas.