Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetic has expressed his disappointment after the club's supporters were banned from attending their Europa League clash against Aston Villa. The decision, made by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group due to safety concerns, has sparked considerable debate, even reaching parliamentary levels.
The ban prevents Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the match at Villa Park. While Aston Villa had no direct involvement in the decision, it has become a major point of discussion surrounding the match. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called the ban "wrong," further highlighting the controversy. Maccabi Tel Aviv initially stated they would decline any tickets offered if the decision were reversed.
Lazetic conveyed his sadness regarding the absence of the Maccabi supporters. Speaking ahead of the match, the Serbian manager acknowledged that while he wouldn't judge the fairness of the situation, he felt it would have been better to have their allocated 2,000 fans inside Villa Park. "Yeah, of course," Lazetic responded when asked if he was saddened by the empty away section. "Unfair or fair, in the world I am not one to judge that but on the pitch it is 11 against 11 and we will try to do our best".
The match is scheduled to take place amidst heightened security measures. Over 700 police officers will be deployed, supported by police horses, dogs, and a drone unit. Authorities will also implement Section 60 powers, allowing them to stop and search individuals without needing reasonable grounds. These measures come in response to planned pro-Palestine protests in the vicinity of Villa Park. It remains unclear whether counter-protests will occur or if Maccabi fans will attempt to attend the match without tickets. Due to potential disruptions, some schools in the area have opted to close early. Aston Villa fans have also been cautioned against displaying any political images or flags, in accordance with UEFA regulations.
Žarko Lazetić took over as Maccabi Tel Aviv manager in June 2024, following the departure of Robbie Keane. In his debut campaign, he mirrored Keane's achievements by securing the Israeli Premier League and Toto Cup titles, along with the Israel Super Cup.
Maccabi Tel Aviv is the oldest football club in Israel, founded in 1906. They are also the most successful club in Israeli football history, with 26 League Championships, 24 State Cups, and eight League Cups. They have never been relegated from the Israeli Premier League.
Maccabi Tel Aviv's next match is against Aston Villa on November 6, 2025. In their previous match, Maccabi Tel Aviv won against Maccabi Bney Reine in the Israeli Premier League with a score of 0-2.
