Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have been barred from attending their upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park on November 6, 2025. This decision comes amid safety concerns highlighted by West Midlands Police, who expressed their inability to manage potential protests and risks associated with the match. The Safety Advisory Group, responsible for issuing safety certificates, informed Aston Villa that no traveling fans would be permitted at the game.

The move has drawn criticism from various political figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who labeled the decision as "the wrong decision." He emphasized that the role of the police is to ensure that all football fans can enjoy matches without fear of violence or intimidation. The decision has generated heated discussions about safety and the implications for fans, particularly in light of recent incidents involving violence and hate crime related to football matches.

West Midlands Police classified the fixture as "high risk" after an assessment revealed previous violent clashes during matches involving Maccabi Tel Aviv, particularly a notable incident during a Europa League match in Amsterdam against Ajax. Furthermore, the police stated that their decision was guided by current intelligence, aiming to mitigate risks to public safety.

MP Nigel Huddleston criticized the ban, arguing that it capitulates to forces of division and hatred. He called for an investigation into the matter, questioning the inability to guarantee safety for Jewish fans in the UK. The situation reflects ongoing tensions surrounding football and protests related to the conflict in Gaza, highlighting the intertwining of sports, politics, and community safety.

Uefa, the governing body for European football, expressed their desire for fans to support their teams in a secure environment but ultimately reiterated that local authorities are responsible for safety decisions during matches. As the date approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all attendees while navigating the complexities of recent events.