Maccabi reject tickets for Villa game amid fear

Britain’s government and fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv said on Oct 21 they regretted the Israeli football 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 law enforcement dispersing football supporters outside Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, after a Premier League match between Hapoel and Maccabi was cancelled due to public disorder and violent riots on Oct 19.

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

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 Nov 6 after local police expressed concerns about potential trouble.

But Maccabi said on Oct 20 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 or violence.

“We are deeply saddened Maccabi Tel Aviv have turned down their away fan allocation, but we respect their right to do so,” the spokesperson said.