The UK Government has expressed its disappointment following the unexpected move by Maccabi Tel Aviv to refuse any ticket allocation for their upcoming Europa League fixture against Aston Villa. A government spokesperson described the announcement as "deeply saddening", emphasising the principle that football supporters must be able to enjoy matches free from intimidation or violence.
The highly-anticipated derby clash between arch-rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv had to be suspended after violent riots broke out among supporters that led to “endangerment of human lives”. Several members of local police forces suffered injuries after becoming caught up in chaotic scenes prior to the game in question getting underway, with a number of arrests being made.
West Midlands police have advised Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their game against Aston Villa. The Israeli side travel to Villa Park next month for matchday four of the 2025/26 Europa League campaign but in order to avoid fan violence, local authorities believe the right move is to block away supporters from making the trip to Birmingham.
Security concerns have prompted a request from the West Midlands police that Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters not attend Aston Villa's Europa League game next month. It means that there will be no away fans in attendance at Villa Park when the pair meet in the competition at the start of November. Villa have made an impressive start to their European campaign, winning both matches so far.