Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Manager Expresses Disappointment Over Fan Ban
Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Security Measures Ahead of Europa League Match
The head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Zarko Lazetic, has expressed his disappointment regarding the ban on his team’s fans attending the forthcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa. This decision has escalated into a significant political concern, primarily because of worries regarding the safety of the Israeli club’s supporters.
Safety Advisory Group Decision Sparks Debate
The decision to prohibit Maccabi’s fans from attending the match at Villa Park was made by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group, with Aston Villa not playing a role in this determination. This controversial move has ignited discussions at the parliamentary level, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labeling it as “wrong.”
In response, Maccabi has stated that they would not accept any ticket allocation even if the original policy were altered.
Maccabi’s CEO Addresses Safety Concerns
Jack Angelides, CEO of Maccabi Tel Aviv, conveyed to Sky News on Wednesday that the organization was genuinely worried about the safety of its fans and recognized the gravity of the situation. He noted, “With a lot of incitement, we didn’t feel comfortable accepting that allocation, and it’s a sad day in football because such incidents should not occur. While people must have the freedom to express themselves, hatred should not be tolerated.”
Focus Shifts to the Match
Despite the tense atmosphere surrounding the event, Lazetic wants to concentrate on the sporting aspect. He acknowledged that having approximately 2,000 fans in Villa Park would have positively impacted the experience. When asked about the absence of the away supporters, he simply stated, “Yes, of course,” acknowledging the unfairness but emphasizing that the match ultimately comes down to the teams on the field.
Extensive Security Precautions in Place
In anticipation of potential unrest, over 700 police officers will be on duty during the match, implementing a robust security operation that includes police horses, dogs, and a drone unit. Multiple protests are scheduled for Thursday, prompting West Midlands Police to announce the invocation of Section 60 powers, which allow for the search of individuals without the usual necessity of reasonable grounds.
The police noted awareness of the planned protests by various groups and affirmed their commitment to balancing the right to protest with the responsibility to protect Birmingham’s communities.
Expected Protests Outside Villa Park
Following reports, it is anticipated that pro-Palestine demonstrations will occur near Villa Park. However, it remains uncertain whether any counter-demonstrations will take place or if Maccabi fans will attempt to attend without tickets.
Fan Guidelines on Political Messaging
Aston Villa fans have been advised against displaying any political symbols or flags in accordance with UEFA regulations, as the match is expected to be emotionally charged.
Earlier, reporters were instructed to confine their questions to football topics during head coach Unai Emery’s pre-match press conference at the training facility, while two pro-Palestine supporters protested outside.
Emery refrained from discussing the political matters, emphasizing the focus on the game. He noted, “We respect the Europa League and our opponent, Maccabi Tel Aviv. Our goal is to secure a place in the top 24, aiming for the top eight further down the line. We are eager to maximize our performance in this competition.”
