Exclusive: Violent Maccabi Fans Linked to IDF, UK Police Find
Middle East Eye has uncovered new intelligence that led to the ban of Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa game this week. Dutch police informed their British counterparts that over 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters responsible for disturbances in Amsterdam in November 2024 were "linked to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)." Additionally, hundreds more fans were described as "experienced fighters," "highly organised," and "intent on causing serious violence."
Background of the Ban
The recent prohibition of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the 6 November fixture at Aston Villa in Birmingham sparked political controversy. The British government condemned the ban last month as antisemitic. However, the West Midlands Police decision was based on intelligence from Dutch authorities regarding the behavior of Maccabi supporters during a match in Amsterdam in November 2024.
Police Assessment
The Guardian reported on 21 October that the police assessment "concluded the biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club." As the match date nears, further details from the police assessment have emerged, revealing additional concerns and raising questions about statements made by government officials.
Recent Developments
Days before the scheduled match, police and Birmingham's safety advisory group upheld the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans despite government criticism. Eventually, Maccabi Tel Aviv decided not to sell tickets to its supporters for the fixture.
"Over 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans who wreaked havoc in Amsterdam in November 2024 were linked to the Israel Defense Forces [IDF]."
"Hundreds more were experienced fighters, highly organised, and intent on causing serious violence."
"The biggest risk of violence came from extremist fans of the Israeli club."
Author's summary: New intelligence reveals that many Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters banned from a UK match were linked to the IDF and posed serious risks of violence, supporting police concerns despite government backlash.