Security fears remain even after Maccabi Tel Aviv declines away tickets for Villa game
EXCLUSIVE: Jewish News understands both the government and West Midlands Police still have 'serious security concerns' ahead of Nov 6 fixture in Birmingham
Both the government and West Midlands Police continue to have “serious concerns” about potential threats to the security and safety of a visiting Israeli football team in Birmingham next month, despite the absence of away fans at the match.
Downing Street has confirmed ongoing discussions with regional police chiefs about deploying additional resources for next month’s Europa League clash between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
This comes even after the Israeli club announced it would not accept ticket allocations for its supporters.
Jewish News understands these talks are focused on the risk that hardline anti-Israel activists in Birmingham may still attempt to target the Israeli team upon their arrival in the UK.
On Tuesday, a Downing Street spokesperson emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of British Jews.
In response to questions about threats from Islamist extremists in cities like Birmingham, the spokesperson acknowledged: “The government accepts that there are, and have been, well-documented cases of antisemitism on our streets.”
Starmer’s spokesperson added, “That needs to be tackled, and we are intent on doing so.”
Ahead of the Europa League match, it is understood there are also concerns that activists linked to the proscribed Palestine Action group, or associated with Islamist organisations in Birmingham, could be planning to disrupt the game, either outside or inside Villa Park.
Although some campaigners, including local MP Ayoub Khan, claimed to support a ban on Israeli fans to protect the city’s predominantly Muslim community from what they allege is a hardcore racist element among Maccabi Tel Aviv’s supporters, they have also initiated a petition to ban the match itself.
That petition, signed by Khan and Jeremy Corbyn, calls on UEFA, the UK Culture Minister, and the club to “urgently cancel this fixture.”
Other Islamist preachers in Birmingham have called for demonstrations outside the stadium on the day of the match.
Meanwhile, independent MP Zarah Sultana heightened tensions in the Commons by asserting that Maccabi Tel Aviv was intrinsically linked to the Israeli “apartheid state.”
Regarding Maccabi Tel Aviv’s decision to decline their ticket allocation for the November 6 game, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s obviously a decision for Maccabi Tel Aviv to turn down their ticket allocation… we, of course, respect their right to do so.
“But we have been working around the clock to defend the basic principle that all football fans should be able to enjoy games without fear of intimidation or violence. And we’ve been working with the local police force, and we continue to do so.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv is not expected to reverse its decision, but Downing Street confirmed that “discussions continue” with West Midlands Police, who are reviewing their risk assessment and considering what further resources may be needed on match day.
On Tuesday, Aston Villa warned their fans against displaying political symbols, messages, or flags at the Europa League fixture with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The club announced that only supporters with a purchase history before this season would be eligible for tickets, a measure apparently designed to prevent Maccabi fans from obtaining seats.
Villa also stated there would be no ticket sales for the vacant away end and cautioned against ticket resales, warning that “anyone found to have re-sold their ticket will face strong sanctions, including having their season ticket removed.”
The club added: “As per UEFA guidance, the displaying of political symbols, messages or flags during the match is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate ejection and the issuing of a stadium ban.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticized the move, calling it “wrong” and urging that it be overturned. The government had anticipated that West Midlands Police would set out their requirements for safely policing the game with both sets of fans present.
On Monday evening, Maccabi Tel Aviv confirmed it would not be accepting tickets for its fans, as exclusively revealed by Jewish News. EXCLUSIVE: Maccabi Tel Aviv decide NOT to sell tickets for Villa game over safety fears
They stated: “The well-being and safety of our fans is paramount, and from hard lessons learned, we have decided to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans. Our decision should be understood in that context. We hope circumstances will change and look forward to playing in Birmingham in a sporting environment in the near future.”
The club’s statement questioned the motives behind the ban, but also thanked the UK government and police for their efforts. “Our first-team squad consists of Muslims, Christians, and Jewish players, and our fanbase also crosses the ethnic and religious divide. We have also been working tirelessly to stamp out racism within the more extreme elements of our fanbase.”
A UK government spokesperson said: “The government has been working around the clock to defend a basic principle—that football fans should be able to enjoy a game without fear of intimidation or violence. We are deeply saddened that Maccabi Tel Aviv has turned down their away fan allocation, but we respect their right to do so.
“It is completely unacceptable that this game has been weaponised to stoke violence and fear by those who seek to divide us. We will never tolerate antisemitism or extremism on our streets.”
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