The rejection of the away allocation for Maccabi Tel Aviv in their upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa has left the Government expressing deep sadness. The decision was made after the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) prohibited visiting fans following a risk assessment conducted by West Midlands Police. This move drew immediate criticism from politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy condemned the exclusion of supporters, highlighting that the decision impacts Jewish fans. Despite efforts to address concerns, Maccabi Tel Aviv chose not to send their fans to the game. The Government emphasized its commitment to ensuring football fans can enjoy matches without fear of violence or intimidation.
In response, Maccabi Tel Aviv released a statement acknowledging past lessons learned and prioritizing the safety of their fans. They declined the away fan allocation with hopes of playing in Birmingham in the future. West Midlands Police categorized the fixture as high risk based on intelligence and previous incidents, referencing violent clashes during a previous match involving Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Ayoub Khan, independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, criticized the situation, pointing out attempts to misrepresent the issue as a religious matter rather than a policing concern. The story continues to develop, and Mirror Sport will provide the latest updates. Stay tuned for more information as the situation unfolds.