Israeli fans have been banned from attending Aston Villa’s Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv next month.
West Midlands Police has said the fixture at Villa Park on November 6 is classified as ‘high risk’ due to safety concerns.
A police spokesperson said: ‘This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.
‘Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.
‘While the safety certificate is issued by Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending.’
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A statement from Villa on Thursday read: ‘Aston Villa can confirm the club has been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 6, following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group.
‘The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) are responsible for issuing safety certificates for every match at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors.
‘Following a meeting this afternoon, 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.
‘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.
‘The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.’
![epa11709346 Police officers make a security cordon around a bus after the soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, early 08 November 2024. The Israeli army confirmed on 08 November it was preparing to "deploy a rescue mission with the coordination of the Dutch government [...] following severe and violent incidents against Israelis in Amsterdam", after clashes broke out after a match between Ajax and Israeli soccer club Maccabi Tel Aviv. EPA/VLN Nieuws](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SEI_228810850-c0d3.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Last November, Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were attacked in Amsterdam after the club’s Europa League game against Ajax.
Before the match, Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were filmed cheering as a large Palestinian flag was taken down from a building in the city centre, while a clash between fans and a group of taxi drivers was also reported.
One person who attended the pro-Palestine demonstration before police intervened told Dutch broadcaster AT5 that the video which showed Maccabi Tel Aviv fans removing the Palestinian flag had ’caused a lot of anger’.
Ajax fans were angered moments before kick-off inside Johan Cruyff Arena as Maccabi Tel Aviv’s supporters disrupted a minute’s silence which was held in memory of the victims of the deadly floods in Valencia.
Dutch police escorted Maccabi Tel Aviv’s supporters from the stadium to busses and train stations after the match but isolated Israelis travelling away from the main group of fans were attacked on the streets.
Last month, fans of Greek side PAOK held up a banner which read ‘stop genocide’ during their Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Earlier this week, Israel’s national anthem was whistled and booed by Italy supporters during their World Cup qualifier.
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