Aston Villa vs. Maccabi: Security Issues

Match Overview

Aston Villa will play against Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park in Birmingham on November 6. This match, part of the Europa League, is notable as no fans from the visiting team, Maccabi, will be allowed to attend due to safety worries.

Security Concerns

The West Midlands Police (WMP), with Chief Constable Craig Guildford leading, advised against permitting Maccabi fans to attend. This decision was based on past incidents of violence linked to Maccabi supporters. An example cited was a clash during a previous match involving Ajax and Maccabi in Amsterdam.

Emergency Meeting

On October 15, an emergency meeting was held. Attendees included Aston Villa’s head of security and representatives from Birmingham City Council. Discussions focused intently on safety steps needed for the upcoming game and lasted approximately an hour.

Response from Maccabi Tel Aviv

By October 20, Maccabi Tel Aviv Club declared they would decline any tickets, even if the decision changed later. This was in response to criticism of the ban from political figures. The club reaffirmed that fan safety is their primary concern.

Local Context

Birmingham’s diverse population includes a sizable Muslim community. Many protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict have taken place here recently, escalating concerns about hosting an Israeli team.

Planned Protests

A protest by the Birmingham Palestine Coalition is planned for Thursday evening ahead of the match. The gathering is expected near the stadium, presenting further security challenges for the police force.

Political Reactions

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other political leaders condemned the fan ban, labeling it as a potential failure to combat antisemitism. Some local leaders, however, argued that ensuring safety, not discrimination, was the motive behind the decision.

Villa’s Security Measures

Aston Villa has adopted stricter security protocols, including conducting extra checks on fans entering the stadium. Moreover, they limited ticket sales to customers with a prior purchasing record at the club.

Police Presence

Over 700 police officers, supported by police horses and drones, will be on duty at the match. Their primary goal is to maintain safety and to manage any protests effectively.

Future Discussions

Continuous dialogues are planned concerning the safety measures for future matches involving Maccabi Tel Aviv. Ensuring that all fans can enjoy the game securely remains a priority for the involved authorities.