Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Barred from Aston Villa Match Over Public Safety
Aston Villa bars Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from upcoming Europa League match due to public safety concerns. Learn more about the decision.
“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...”
Aston Villa has confirmed that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will not be allowed to attend their upcoming Europa League match due to “public safety concerns.” The decision was made after the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) instructed the club to bar away fans from the November 6 match.
“Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will not be allowed to attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG),” Aston Villa stated. The SAG is responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park.
The Safety Advisory Group formally wrote to the club and UEFA, advising that no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture. West Midlands Police have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.
“This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam,” the police spokesperson added. The fixture has been classified as “high risk” following a thorough assessment.
Aston Villa is in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, prioritizing the safety of supporters attending the match and local residents. The club's decision comes amid growing tensions surrounding Israeli teams in European competitions.
“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.”
Aston Villa confirmed they're in ongoing discussions with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, prioritizing the safety of both match attendees and nearby residents. West Midlands Police classified the game as “high risk” after a thorough assessment, citing concerns over potential protests and public safety.
The decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv fans was made due to:
- Public Safety Concerns: Potential protests and violence outside the stadium
- Previous Incidents: Violent clashes and hate crimes during Maccabi Tel Aviv's previous matches, such as the 2024 Europa League match against Ajax in Amsterdam
- Security Risks: High risk of disruptions and security threats
West Midlands Police and the Safety Advisory Group support the decision, emphasizing fair and impartial policing while ensuring public safety.
“This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Uefa Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam,” a spokesperson for the force said.
Violence erupted in Amsterdam last November when Maccabi Tel Aviv fans clashed with pro-Palestinian groups and locals before and after their Europa League match against Ajax. The incidents led to seven people being hospitalized and around 20-30 sustaining minor injuries, with many more seeking medical attention for less severe injuries.
Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were involved in various violent incidents, including pulling down Palestinian flags, vandalizing property, and making racist anti-Arab chants. They also assaulted people, prompting Amsterdam authorities to take emergency measures to maintain public safety.
BREAKING: Aston Villa's home Europa League match against Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv will have no away fans attending after West Midlands Police decided it would not be safe based on "current intelligence and previous incidents".https://t.co/G8gDzyqv3Q @RobHarris
— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 16, 2025
📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/RwtcydVHAN
The attacks on Israeli fans were widely condemned by Dutch authorities, including Mayor Femke Halsema and Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who denounced the violence as antisemitic. The city's mayor initially described the incidents as “distressing” and hinted at the complexity of the issue, involving antisemitism, hooliganism, and tensions related to the Gaza conflict.
The violence led to the arrest of dozens of people, with many more identified through social media and other means. Amsterdam authorities have taken steps to prevent further incidents, including banning Maccabi Tel Aviv from the city due to concerns over fan behavior.
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