• Maccabi Tel Aviv announces it will not accept tickets for the Europa League match against Aston Villa.
• The decision follows a police assessment deeming the fixture as "high risk" due to past violent incidents.
• Israeli club cites the "wellbeing and safety of our fans" as primary reason for declining attendance.
• UK government pressures local authorities to reverse the decision barring Maccabi fans from attending.
• Aston Villa warns fans against political messaging at the upcoming match to ensure compliance with UEFA rules.

Maccabi Tel Aviv has stated it will decline any allocation of tickets for its upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa, even if local authorities reverse the ban preventing their fans from attending. The club emphasized that the "wellbeing and safety of our fans is paramount" based on "hard lessons learned" from previous incidents, which led to this decision. They expressed hope for a future sporting environment conducive to attendance in Birmingham but felt compelled to prioritize safety at this time, according to BBC and Reuters.

This decision follows a directive from the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) which had classified the fixture as "high risk" due to prior incidents of violence and hate crimes between fan groups, particularly highlighted during a prior match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the fan ban, stating it was "wrong" to restrict attendance, while the Israeli Foreign Minister described the situation as "shameful." The government pledged to assist in securing safety for all fans, as noted by Al Jazeera and Le Monde.

The backdrop of increasing political tension and past violent incidents has further complicated the situation. Maccabi Tel Aviv reiterated its commitment to combating racism among its fan base and emphasized that the negative perception of its supporters is exploited for various political agendas. The recent cancellation of a derby match in Israel due to violence led to increased scrutiny of fan behavior and safety concerns. The club's dedication to inclusivity among its players and supporters was highlighted as they urged for a better understanding of the majority of their fan base, who oppose violence, as described by BBC and Al Jazeera.

Aston Villa has also warned its fans against displaying any political symbols or messages during the match, reinforcing existing UEFA regulations to maintain order and safety. They have announced that only fans with a verified purchase history will be allowed to purchase tickets, ensuring a controlled environment at the match. The club acknowledges the contentious dynamics surrounding the upcoming fixture and hopes to navigate the challenges with the support of law enforcement, as mentioned by Reuters and Le Monde.