Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Thursday, 16 October 2025, 19:48 / Updated on Thursday, 16 October 2025 19:53
Maccabi Tel Aviv risks not having supporters at the match with Aston Villaafter West Midlands Police requested that Israeli fans be kept out of the stadium, according to sports. gr. Aston Villa – Maccabi Tel Aviv is played on November 6, in the main group of the Europa League, stage 4.
The match has been classified as high risk due to the conflict in Gaza, and West Midlands Police have asked that Israeli supporters be kept off Villa Park.
No Israeli fans at Aston Villa – Maccabi Tel Aviv, Europa League match
The police request comes amid fears of possible incidents between supporters or residents of the city, given that around 30% of Birmingham's population is Muslim.
UEFA is yet to approve the authorities' request, so Maccabi Tel Aviv will most likely play without fan support in the match against Aston Villa.
At the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, played in Amsterdam, Israeli fans were attacked after the end of the game. Following the incidents, 62 people were arrested, and five supporters were hospitalized.
However, the day before the incidents in Amsterdam, Maccabi fans attacked a taxi displaying the Palestinian flag and set it on fire.
More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive on Gaza, launched after Hamas attacked Israeli towns and a music festival on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Israeli troops began withdrawing on Friday under a peace deal that is the first stage of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
Aston Villa are in 3rd place in the main Europa League group with 6 points from 6 possible. Maccabi is in 30th place with only one point.
Up-to-date standings from the main Europa League group
