BIRMINGHAM:
Aston Villa announced that no away supporters will be allowed to attend their Europa League clash with Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park on November 6, following police warnings about possible protests and safety risks.
The club said the decision came after advice from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which issues safety certificates for matches. The group acted on recommendations from West Midlands Police, who expressed concerns about potential unrest outside the stadium. “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,” Villa said in a statement.
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.https://t.co/8aBeqE4qbA
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 16, 2025
The decision follows recent protests at Israel’s World Cup qualifiers in Norway and Italy, where police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Aston Villa added that it remains in talks with Maccabi Tel Aviv and local authorities, prioritising “the safety of supporters and residents.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised the move, calling it “the wrong decision” and warning against anti-Semitism. “We will not tolerate anti-Semitism on our streets,” Starmer said on X (formerly Twitter).
Welcome to modern Britain.
Away fans from Israel banned from Villa Park because the police cannot guarantee their safety in Birmingham.
I am sad, angry and ashamed. #avfc pic.twitter.com/tF5UQG3CF9
— Nick Timothy MP (@NJ_Timothy) October 16, 2025
“The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation.”
UEFA said it encourages both teams and authorities to ensure that fans can attend matches “in a safe, secure and welcoming environment,” but confirmed that final safety decisions rest with local authorities.
Read More: Italy Defeats Israel, Ends World Cup Dream
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the move, describing it as a “shameful decision” and urged UK authorities to reverse it.
Global football bodies continue to face pressure over Israel’s participation in international sport amid the ongoing war in Gaza. FIFA has not yet made a ruling, with officials saying the matter requires consensus among confederations.
Villa currently sit third in their Europa League group, while Maccabi Tel Aviv are in fourth place after two rounds of matches.