UK and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans regret refusal of away tickets

Britain's government and fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv said on Tuesday they regretted the Israeli soccer club’s decision to turn down tickets for an upcoming match at Aston Villa, even as ministers worked to overturn a police ban on away supporters.

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Israeli sports teams have become a focus for pro-Palestinian protesters during the conflict in Gaza.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had said it was wrong to ban away supporters from the Europa League match in the central English city of Birmingham on November 6 after local police expressed concerns about potential trouble.

But Maccabi said on Monday the “toxic atmosphere” put its fans at too much risk.

A British government spokesperson said it had been working round the clock to defend the principle that fans should be able to enjoy a game without fear of intimidation of violence.