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Tommy Robinson's plan to attend Maccabi Tel Aviv's clash with Aston Villa reportedly prompted the Israeli club to decide against selling tickets to supporters regardless of their ban. It was confirmed by Villa last week that Maccabi fans wouldn't be allowed to attend the teams' Europa League match in Birmingham on Thursday, November 6. The decision was made by the city's safety advisory group following concerns raised by West Midlands Police about the force's ability to deal with potential protests relating to the war between Israel and Gaza. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to social media to label the decision 'wrong' , as a debate was sparked. Far-right activist Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was accused of fanning the flames in a post of his own, having been invited to Israel by politician Amichai Chikli. Donning a shirt with Maccabi's colours, Robinson posted on X: "Who's coming to support Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park on November 6th???" On Monday, however, Maccabi confirmed that they won't be selling tickets even if their ban were to be overturned. In a statement, the club said that a 'toxic atmosphere' had been created around the fixture through 'hate-filled falsehoods'. Minutes before their statement was released, a report from Jewish News was published, claiming Robinson's post was the 'final straw' for Maccabi and prompted them to change their plans on ticket sales. "The risk posed by anti-Israel protesters was substantial, but we thought we had a plan to prevent them from prevailing," a source from the club said. "But that changed with the intervention of Tommy Robinson. 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." The decision was made in spite of the UK Government pledging to work to ensure that 'all fans' could attend the match. An extract from Maccabi's official statement read: "The wellbeing and safety of our fans is paramount and from hard lessons learned, we have taken the decision to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans and our decision should be understood in that context. "We hope that circumstances will change and look forward to being able to play in Birmingham in a sporting environment in the near future." Robinson responded to Maccabi's decision by releasing a statement of his own. "Today is a sad day as Maccabi Tel Aviv has decided they will not sell fans tickets for the upcoming game in Birmingham even if the ban for their fans to attend is overturned," the 42-year-old began. "This is clear capitulation to terror, a failure of the uk to protect Jews in 2025. Jihadis are winning in the battle of fear and intimidation and the west is in deep trouble. Debating if Jews can attend games is shameful and disgusting. "This means I will not attend the game as was planning to report and fly from Israel with fans to cover the reaction to Jews landing in the UK. I and many decent people will not be silent as Jews are threatened and unsafe. "From Israel I am learning more about Zionism and Jews standing up for their people. Standing up and doing the right thing is necessary in the face of evil. Just as all All over Israel i am meeting allies and continue to call on all decent people in europe and the world to stand up for justice and truth. "I intend to travel to members of the Jewish community in Europe and elsewhere wherever they are in danger. While the official part of my Israel trip has finished I'm glad for more time here with friends and now I intend more reporting including on mosques in Israel, Jewish settlers, and more. Thank you Israel!" Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
