Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: The Situation Explained
Introduction to the Match
When Maccabi Tel Aviv was set to confront Aston Villa in the Europa League, the significance of the event was immediately apparent. Concerns arose regarding safety, particularly since an Israeli team was traveling to play in an area with a predominantly Muslim population.
About six weeks prior to the match, there was uncertainty regarding whether the game would even take place. Pressures were mounting to exclude Israeli teams from international play due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, following a ceasefire agreement last month, it became evident that Maccabi, the only Israeli club participating in this year’s European contests, would proceed to Birmingham for the match.
Since then, the focus has been on the fixture, primarily due to the ban on away fans.
Why is There a Ban on Away Supporters?
Prior to each match, the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) evaluates police requirements and any necessary limitations, which can include reducing overall crowd size or restricting visitor attendance.
In the case of Thursday’s encounter, the SAG consulted with officers from West Midlands Police, who categorized the match as high-risk due to several factors. Consequently, Maccabi supporters are prohibited from attending the event.
Authorities stated that the ban was set “based on current intelligence and historical incidents,” which included violent confrontations and hate crimes linked to a previous fixture between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.
The ban on Maccabi fans has sparked political controversy and criticism from various officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. On October 20, with mounting demands to revise the ban, Maccabi announced it would decline any ticket offers, citing a created “toxic atmosphere” as a threat to the safety of its traveling supporters.
Number of Police Officers Deployed
A significant police presence will be in place, with over 700 officers on duty. This includes mounted units, canine teams, drone surveillance, and road policing personnel. Additionally, a no-fly zone will be established around the stadium.
Ron Winch, an associate professor in policing at Birmingham City University, noted this marks a substantial policing endeavor, employing various resources, including drones and specialized personnel, along with the usual stewards. He deemed this response reasonable and proportionate given the potential threats associated with the match.
Furthermore, West Midlands Railways has announced an increased police deployment between Aston and Witton train stations.
Fans’ Reactions
As of Wednesday morning, numerous tickets for the match remained unsold, with the away section closed to fans. Aston Villa’s ticket policy stipulates that only supporters with a pre-existing purchase history would be eligible for tickets.
The prospect of protests appears to have discouraged attendance. Villa fan Simon mentioned, “I don’t feel unsafe, but I can see why others might,” while fellow supporter Dani expressed concerns about vulnerability, particularly as a lone female attendee.
Potential for Protests
Ch Supt Tom Joyce of the Birmingham Police acknowledged that various protests are expected on match day, and plans are in place to balance the right to protest with the responsibility to ensure community safety in Birmingham.
According to the 2021 Census, the Aston Park vicinity surrounding Villa Park comprises 70.2% Muslims. Planned demonstrations include a pro-Palestinian protest group advocating for the match’s cancellation, organized by several groups including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop the War Coalition. There may also be counter-protests supporting Israel.
There is speculation that protests could occur within the stadium, and West Midlands Police issued a warning about extensive ticket checks for approaching supporters on match night.
Will Fans Be Safe?
Law enforcement has been collaborating closely with community and religious organizations to address their concerns, and officers experienced in managing high-profile matches and protests will be on standby during the fixture.
The measures in place aim to ensure that the game proceeds smoothly and without incident for attendees. Ch Supt Joyce stated, “Our aim is for everyone to enjoy the football event while ensuring safety for all communities in Birmingham.”
Previous reports indicate that Villa had proactively recognized possible safety issues for staff, advising stewards they could opt not to work if they had reservations about their safety.
Furthermore, Mansfield Green E-ACT Primary Academy, located approximately a mile from Villa Park, plans to close early at 2 PM on match day.
