Antisemitism Accusations Arise as Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Barred from UK Match
The UEFA Europa League match on November 6 between Aston Villa and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in Birmingham will proceed without Israeli visiting fans amid a politically charged controversy.
Security Concerns Cited by Authorities
Birmingham police blocked ticket sales to Israeli fans, citing security worries. The city’s Safety Advisory Group, collaborating with local police, recommended that Aston Villa prevent Maccabi supporters from attending the game at Villa Park.
West Midlands Police labeled the match "high risk," referring to "current intelligence and previous incidents," including a violent riot when local gangs attacked Maccabi fans after a friendly match in Amsterdam last November.
Claims of Antisemitism
Many voices in Israel accuse Birmingham officials of using ticket restrictions as a tool to isolate Israel amid rising anti-Jewish sentiment in the UK. These critics view the decision as an expression of blatant antisemitism rather than just a security precaution.
"Officials in Birmingham, where Aston Villa is based, are weaponizing soccer ticket sales to isolate Israel at a time of growing anti-Jewish sentiment around Britain."
Soccer Ticketing Practices Explained
In European soccer, visiting teams typically receive a portion of tickets to sell to their fans in a designated section. This contrasts with many American sports, where visiting fans can purchase tickets anywhere in the stadium.
Birmingham police emphasize that the ban is strictly a security measure responding to an increase in racist incidents at soccer games both in Israel and Europe.
"The decision was a necessary security measure as racist incidents at soccer games soar in Israel and across Europe."
Despite the ban on visiting supporters, the match will continue as planned.
Author’s summary: The exclusion of Israeli fans from the Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match sparks heated debate over security and accusations of antisemitism amid rising anti-Jewish tensions in the UK.