Aston Villa have threatened to throw any fans out of Villa Park if ‘political messages or flags’ are displayed during next month’s Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Avivi.
The European game has been laced with controversy after the decision was made by the Premier League club last week to ban fans of the Israeli club from attending following advice from West Midlands Police.
The authorities made the recommendation amid safety concerns, fearing away fans are at risk of anti-Semitic attacks and that the match will be rife with protests.
Villa released a statement on Tuesday to confirm that any supporters displaying messages of a political nature will be ‘immediately ejected’ and issued with a stadium ban.
The statement read: ‘Only supporters with a booking history up to and including the 2024/25 season will be able to purchase a ticket. Supporters who do not have previous booking history with the club, or only have booking history from this season, will not be able to purchase tickets.
‘A reminder to all supporters of the club’s policy on reselling tickets. Anyone found to have re-sold their ticket will face strong sanctions including having their season ticket removed. The club has a robust, zero-tolerance approach to this matter.
Aston Villa have threatened to throw any fans out of Villa Park if ‘political messages or flags’ are displayed during next month’s Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Avivi
The European game has been laced with controversy after the decision was made by Aston Villa last week to ban fans of the Israeli club from attending following advice from authorities
Unai Emery’s side are scheduled to host the Israeli club in the Europa League on November 6
‘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.’
The decision to ban Maccabi fans was met with a furious backlash last week, prompting droves of fans and members of the Jewish community to speak out on social media.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled the decision ‘wrong’ in a post on X, while Israel’s minister for foreign affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, branded it ‘shameful’.
Yet, despite pressure mounting on Aston Villa and West Midlands Police to reverse the decision, it was reported just hours before the club’s ticketing announcement that Maccabi Tel Aviv have opted not to sell any tickets regardless amid safety concerns.
Tommy Robinson’s decision to support Maccabi fans by wearing one of their shirts in a social media post last Friday was the ‘final straw’ for the club.
The Israeli team became fearful that even if police in Birmingham performed a U-turn and allowed away fans into Villa Park, Robinson’s supporters could emulate him and pose as Maccabi fans to stir up violence.
The far-right activist, who organised September’s Unite the Kingdom rally attended by thousands, joined wrote: ‘Who’s coming to support Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park on November 6th?’
A source told Jewish News: ‘The risk posed by anti-Israel protesters was substantial, but we thought we had a plan to prevent them from prevailing. But that changed with the intervention of Tommy Robinson.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to social media to condemn the decision last Thursday night
The Premier League club made the decision after consultation with West Midlands Police
Tommy Robinson’s decision to support banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans by wearing one of their shirts was the ‘final straw’ for the club, who have now decided not to sell any tickets to fans
‘There was now also danger that our supporters could be falsely associated with his far-right activities, in front of anti-Israel protestors already out to get them.
‘With Robinson’s supporters potentially posing as Maccabi fans on the streets of Birmingham, we concluded that the risk had become unacceptable for innocent fans who just want to watch their team play.’
Although the match is set to go ahead without any away fans, it is still being deemed a high risk fixture — with anti-Israel activists expected to be out in force on the streets surrounding Villa Park that night.
About 30 per cent of Birmingham’s population is Muslim and the city has seen numerous demonstrations since the start of the Gaza war.
Under UEFA rules, at least five per cent of the stadium should be for away fans. A spokesperson from the governing body said last week: ‘Local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches on their territory, determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments.’
According to West Midlands Police, the decision to ban away supporters was made based on ‘previous incidents’, namely when Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were targeted by anti-Semitic attacks during the club’s Europa League match against Ajax in Amsterdam last year.
An astonishing 68 people were arrested after attacks were made on Israeli football supporters, prompting Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof to label the assaults ‘shocking and reprehensible’.
A spokesperson said last week: ‘West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending.’
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were targeted by antisemitic attacks during their trip to Ajax last year
Dozens of arrests were made after attacks were made on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam
‘This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 UEFA 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.
‘We remain steadfast in our support all affected communities, and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime in all its forms.’
