News|FootballIsraeli Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans barred from Europa League game in UKSafety advisers in Birmingham City and UK police said Israeli team fans should not attend match due to ‘risks to public safety’.

Regulation: Security Measures for UEFA Europa League Match

Aston Villa Football Club has announced that fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv will not be permitted to attend the UEFA Europa League match scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Villa Park, United Kingdom. This decision follows advice from the Birmingham City's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which is responsible for safety certifications at the venue.

The West Midlands Police have categorized the match as high-risk due to potential public safety threats, including previous incidents of violence and hate crimes. The police have cited clashes during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam as part of their risk assessment.

A statement from Aston Villa confirmed that the SAG, upon police advice, has raised concerns about maintaining public safety outside the stadium and managing potential protests.

West Midlands Police have expressed that the decision to restrict away fans is based on professional judgment aimed at mitigating public safety risks. They support the SAG's decision for the upcoming fixture.

The decision has drawn criticism from various officials. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar have both publicly criticized the ban. The Jewish Leadership Council has also expressed disapproval, suggesting that the match should be played without any spectators if safety cannot be guaranteed.

This development occurs amidst ongoing discussions about the participation of Israeli football teams in international competitions. Concerns have been raised about the impact of political and security issues on the integrity of the sport, with some experts calling for a reevaluation of Israel's involvement in global sports arenas.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.