Government Pursues Safe Attendance for Maccabi Fans at Villa Park

Discussions are ongoing between the UK government and police to ensure that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans can safely attend their upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park on October 5, 2023. This follows Maccabi’s decision to decline ticket allocations for its supporters, citing safety concerns amid fears of violence and intimidation.

The Israeli club announced its stance on Monday night, coinciding with efforts by ministers to reverse a ban that prevents away fans from attending the match. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman acknowledged the club’s right to refuse tickets but emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring all football fans can watch games without fear.

“We respect Maccabi Tel Aviv’s decision, but we have been working around the clock to uphold the principle that all football fans should enjoy matches safely,” the spokesman stated. He confirmed that the Home Office continues to liaise with West Midlands Police regarding additional resources needed to secure the event.

The government’s response to Maccabi’s announcement reflects a broader concern over the atmosphere surrounding the match. The Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Lisa Nandy, expressed disappointment over the club’s choice and stated that the government is committed to finding the necessary resources to allow Maccabi fans to attend.

Safety Concerns and Ongoing Discussions

Birmingham’s safety advisory group, which issues safety certificates for events at Villa Park, had previously declared that no away fans would be allowed at the match. This decision has drawn criticism, with the Prime Minister calling it “wrong” and urging for it to be reconsidered.

The UK Football Policing Unit has been actively reaching out to Israeli authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of a match between Hapoel and Maccabi that took place at Bloomfield Stadium last Sunday, where violence reportedly erupted prior to kick-off.

Nandy defended the government’s efforts to facilitate the attendance of Maccabi fans during a session in the House of Commons, emphasizing the importance of police independence in conducting risk assessments while also questioning the conclusions that lead to excluding certain supporters from matches.

The government’s position underscores a commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports events, particularly in light of recent tensions surrounding football matches involving Israeli clubs.

As discussions continue, it is hoped that a resolution will be reached that allows Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters to attend the Europa League clash, reflecting the broader principle that all fans should be able to enjoy football in a safe and welcoming environment.