Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Why Israeli Club's Fans Aren't Allowed at Europa League Match
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have been banned from attending their Europa League game against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Thursday. This decision, made last month, was due to safety concerns raised by West Midlands Police about managing potential protests connected to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.
Key Facts About the Ban
- The ban was imposed before Maccabi Tel Aviv declined the allocation of away tickets for their supporters.
- More than 700 police officers will be deployed at Villa Park, including units with police horses, dogs, and drones.
- Various groups are expected to hold protests at the match.
Official Responses and Reactions
The Israeli club announced via statement that they would not sell tickets to their fans for this fixture.
“The decision to ban supporters was based on concerns from West Midlands Police about its ability to deal with potential protests relating to the war between Israel and Gaza.”
The ban provoked criticism from politicians, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer among those expressing disapproval.
Match Details
Date and Time: Thursday, 6 November 2025, 11:30 UK time
Venue: Villa Park
Security Measures
- Deployment of over 700 police officers
- Onsite police horses and dogs
- Use of a drone unit for surveillance
“More than 700 police officers will be on duty with police horses, police dogs and a drone unit part of the operation.”
Author's summary: The ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at Villa Park for the Europa League game follows police concerns over managing protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, with significant security measures in place.