.png)
5 hours ago
6
The Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho urged his teammates to make their supporters smile against Aston Villa, after away fans were banned from the politically charged Europa League match on Thursday.
The Israeli club’s fans were prohibited from attending on public safety grounds but, despite the ban, West Midlands police have been granted section 60 stop-and-search powers and plan to deploy more than 700 officers around Villa Park to cope with protests and potential unrest.
The league‑phase match has become a major talking point since Maccabi supporters were banned from attending by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group, whose decision was based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including “violent clashes and hate crime offences” that occurred around their Europa League match against Ajax in Amsterdam last year.
The decision was criticised by some as a surrender to antisemitism, with calls for the ban to be overturned. The prime minister, Keir Starmer, called it the “wrong” decision and the opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch, said it was a “national disgrace”.
Maccabi announced in September that they would play all four home Europa League games this season in Belgrade. “It is very hard for us,” said Sissokho. “Every home game in Europe we play in Serbia, so it’s a big difference. We know the fans are very important for us. We have to think about them because they will watch the game on the TV. We have to give everything on the pitch to give them a smile and perform as a team. We have to concentrate on the team and play our game with this feeling.”
Maccabi’s Serbian head coach, Zarko Lazetic, would not be drawn on whether the ban on away fans was “unfair”, which was how the decision was described by the club’s chief executive, Jack Angelides.
Lazetic said: “Unfair or fair, in the world I am not one who judges about that but on the pitch it is 11 v 11 and we will try to do our best.” Asked if Maccabi’s squad had discussed the political backdrop, Lazetic confirmed they had but refused to elaborate, adding only: “We are only focusing on the football.”
On Wednesday evening West Midlands police confirmed section 60 powers will be in place from midday on Thursday until 3am on Friday. Police horses, police dogs and a drone unit will be in use.
Ch Supt Tom Joyce said: “Our message to those from all communities in Birmingham is that we have listened and will continue to engage with you. We remain committed to maintaining the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with directly, as will those who incite hate.”
Schools in Birmingham are closing early on Thursday amid fears of unrest. Mansfield Green E-Act primary academy and BOA Creative, Digital & Performing Arts academy, two schools which are both in proximity to Villa Park, have communicated early closures.
after newsletter promotion
The closures were condemned by Lord Austin, the UK trade envoy to Israel and a Villa season-ticket holder. He posted on X: “Local politicians and community leaders should be doing everything they can to improve education in areas like Aston and Lozells, not inflaming tensions and calling for boycotts, bans and protests that result in schools being closed early. What a disgrace.”
Villa have warned supporters against displaying political symbols, messages or flags during the match. In announcing their ticketing policy, the club reminded fans about not breaking Uefa protocols. Villa also imposed sanctions on those wanting to buy tickets, saying only supporters with a purchase history from before this season will be able to access a ticket. The club also warned against supporters reselling their tickets.
Protesters stood at the entrance of Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground on Wednesday displaying a Palestine flag and a message that read: “Shame on Villa, shame on Uefa, shame on the FA.” Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, did not answer questions relating to the situation surrounding the fixture. “It’s Europe and we are playing in Europe against very good teams,” Emery said.
“Firstly, it’s about our respect for the Europa League, for the competition. Secondly, it’s about our respect for Maccabi Tel Aviv.”
