Copyright GIVEMESPORT
The UK government has released a statement after Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv announced that it would decline any Europa League ticket allocation offered by Aston Villa. Last Thursday, it was reported that West Midlands Police had requested a ban on away supporters purchasing tickets for November’s match at Villa Park - a request that was subsequently granted. Initial concerns stemmed from the behaviour of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters during the Amsterdam riots at a Europa League match in November 2024, where seven people were hospitalised and a further 30 injured. However, Villa’s decision sparked immediate backlash, with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and Prime Minister Keir Starmer both condemning the move, citing growing concerns over antisemitism and division within the country. In the latest development, Maccabi Tel Aviv has rejected the reversal of the decision that would have allowed an away allocation, releasing a statement - swiftly followed by one from the UK government. UK Government Releases Statement After Maccabi Tel Aviv Decision The UK Government has said it is “completely unacceptable” that the Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv has been “weaponised to stoke violence and fear by those who seek to divide us”. The Israeli side said it will decline any tickets offered to their fans for the game at Villa Park after a political row erupted over safety. “The Government has been working around the clock to defend a basic principle – that football fans should be able to enjoy a game without fear of intimidation or violence,” a spokesperson said. They continued (see Maccabi Tel Aviv's statement in their social media post below): “We are deeply saddened Maccabi Tel Aviv have turned down their away fan allocation but we respect their right to do so.“It is completely unacceptable that this game has been weaponised to stoke violence and fear by those who seek to divide us. "We will never tolerate antisemitism or extremism on our streets. We will continue to work closely with the police to ensure that this game goes ahead safely, and that Jewish communities across this country get the safety and security they deserve.” On Friday, the police and crime commissioner (PCC) for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, ordered “an immediate review” of the decision. Several people briefed on the situation, kept anonymous as they did not have permission to speak publicly, told The Athletic they believed the decision would be reversed. Lisa Nandy, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, met officials from the Home Office - the UK’s interior ministry which is responsible for policing and public safety, among other things - for talks on Friday. Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, she described the decision as “wrong”.
