ASTON VILLA warned their fans today against displaying political symbols, messages or flags during next month’s Europa League clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Maccabi announced on Monday evening they would decline any away tickets for the November 6 clash at Villa Park after the government had said it was “working around the clock” to ensure fans from both sides could attend.
Villa announced their ticketing policy for the match today and warned their fans against breaking Uefa protocols in displaying political messages within the stadium.
They also imposed sanctions on those wanting to buy tickets, as only supporters with a previous purchase history from before this season will be able to access a ticket.
The club also revealed they will not be selling tickets in what will be a vacant away end and have warned against supporters reselling their tickets.
The Israeli side said in a statement on Monday evening that it had decided not to accept any tickets for the match for its fans.
The club said: “The wellbeing and safety of our fans is paramount and from hard lessons learned, we have taken the decision to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans and our decision should be understood in that context.
“We hope that circumstances will change and look forward to being able to play in Birmingham in a sporting environment in the near future.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said today that the government was still talking to police about putting extra resources in place for the match.
Asked if Downing Street still sees a possibility the game could be policed in a way that would allow Maccabi supporters to attend, he said “discussions continue” with West Midlands Police, who are reviewing their risk assessment to see what resources could be put in place.
At a Birmingham protest held on Saturday in support of the ban, campaigners called on the government to trust the advice of the football club and police.
“After over two years of protest and the unprecedented level of Palestine solidarity in the UK, our Prime Minister, with fewer and fewer allies to hand, comes to the rescue of the far right in this country and in Israel, so they can descend onto the streets of Birmingham,” said Rob Horsfield, secretary of Birmingham Stop the War Coalition.
“Not content with labelling street protesters for Palestine ‘un-British’, this government has now effectively sided against the police with the likes of Tommy Robinson.
“Violent football fans are not welcome in Birmingham. We, the people of Birmingham, are the real Britain. Starmer should resign.”
Several anti-racism and anti-war organisations plan to come together for a mass peaceful protest outside Villa park at 6pm on Thursday November 6, the day of the Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa match.
Separately, a public meeting titled Show Israel the Red Card, organised by the West Midlands Solidarity Campaign (WMPSC) will be taking place at 7pm on Monday October 20 in Digbeth.
