Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Why Israeli Fans Are Not Attending at Villa Park
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have been banned from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa on Thursday at Villa Park. The decision followed concerns over safety amid potential protests related to the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
Why Were Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Banned?
West Midlands Police decided to prohibit supporters from attending due to fears they would struggle to manage anticipated protests and maintain public safety. This precaution led to an immediate backlash, including criticism from political figures such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
What Was Maccabi Tel Aviv's Response?
The Israeli club announced they would not sell any tickets to their fans for the away fixture, effectively supporting the ban imposed by the authorities.
Security Measures at Villa Park
- More than 700 police officers will be deployed.
- Special units including police horses, dogs, and a drone team will be active.
- Protests by various groups are planned for match day.
"The decision to ban supporters was based on concerns from West Midlands Police about its ability to deal with potential protests relating to the war between Israel and Gaza."
The strong security presence aims to prevent disruption and ensure safety throughout the event.
Summary: Maccabi Tel Aviv fans are barred from attending the Europa League match against Aston Villa due to security concerns tied to the Israel-Gaza conflict, resulting in an extensive police operation at Villa Park.