Maccabi turn down tickets in Villa clash controversy

But UK government fights for ban U-turn

- BY HELEN CORBETT

SAFETY FEARS In Tel Aviv on Sunday

MACCABI Tel Aviv has said it will not accept tickets for fans to attend next month's clash with Aston Villa, as ministers continue their efforts to get a police ban overturned.

The Israeli club's announcement on Monday came amid controversy sparked by the decision to ban away fans from the game because of safety fears.

Fans of the club were involved in disturbances which led to Sunday's Tel Aviv derby with rivals Hapoel being called off.

But Downing Street and the UK Home Office are still keen for them to be allowed to come to Birmingham for the Europa League clash on November 6.