Why are Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters banned from Aston Villa clash in Europa League? What Keir Starmer has said

Aston Villa are having to juggle their Premier League duties with Europa League action this season. They narrowly missed out on Champions League football in the last campaign on the final day. Unai Emery’s side finished 6th in the table after losing away at Manchester United back in May.

The Midlands outfit made a slow start to this term but have seen an upturn in form over recent weeks. Attacker Donyell Malen scored twice in their last outing before the international break as they beat Burnley 2-1 at Villa Park. They are back in action this weekend with an away trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

Why are Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from Aston Villa clash?

Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters will not be allowed to attend their clash against Aston Villa on Thursday 6th November. West Midlands Police have concerns about its ability to deal with any potential protests amid the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. A ceasefire in Gaza came into effect on 10 October. The Safety Advisory Group, who are the body responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches, have informed the club no travelling fans will be permitted at the match in Birmingham.

Aston Villa have published an official club statement reading: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group. The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) are responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.

“Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture. West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night. The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv have been given the green light to compete in the Europa League this year, despite the ongoing conflict in their country. Israeli teams have been allowed to compete in European competitions for many years now despite calls for them to be banned over the war in Gaza. Russian teams have been banned from UEFA and FIFA competitions follow their country’s invasion of Ukraine. Israeli teams play their European matches in Belgrade, Serbia.

Previous trouble separately involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa

There was unrest when Maccabi Tel Aviv played Ajax in November last year in Amsterdam. In addition, 39 people were arrested back in 2023 after violence broke out in the build-up to Aston Villa’s European match against Legia Warsaw. Therefore, the fixture next month has been highlighted as a one with a potential high risk for trouble, hence why the police have taken bold action already.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the decision to prevent visitors from Maccabi Tel Aviv against Aston Villa. He has said: "This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation."

The Israeli side are positioned in 2nd place in the table behind Hapoel Be'er Sheva after their first six fixtures after winning the title last term for the 26th time. They are managed by Zarko Lazetic after he was picked as their replacement for ex-Leeds United, Spurs, Liverpool and Villa man Robbie Keane in 2024. They drew 1-1 at home to Maccabi Haifi in their last game.

As for Aston Villa, they have hit form of late and will be keeping to keep their momentum going against Spurs on Sunday. They have also won their last two Europa League fixtures against Bologna and Feyenoord. Emery’s men lock horns with Go Ahead Eagles next in the competition.