‘It is very hard for us’: Maccabi Tel Aviv Aim to Give Absent Fans Reason to Smile
Maccabi Tel Aviv is facing a challenging situation as they prepare to play their upcoming matches without the support of their fans. Due to security concerns and a politically charged atmosphere, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were barred from attending the Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. The team acknowledges the difficulty this creates but remains focused on delivering a performance that will bring joy to their supporters back home.
The decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from the Aston Villa game stemmed from a risk assessment by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group, which cited previous incidents involving the club's fans, including a violent riot in Amsterdam last November. While investigations suggest the riot was orchestrated by local groups, there were also reports of racist behavior by some Maccabi fans. This led to the classification of the Aston Villa match as "high risk" and the subsequent ban.
Maccabi Tel Aviv initially denied that its fans behave badly. The club expressed its disappointment with the decision, stating that it felt that various groups were exploiting isolated incidents for their own purposes. Ultimately, Maccabi Tel Aviv waived their ticket allocation for the Aston Villa match, stating that the well-being and safety of their fans was paramount.
Despite the absence of their supporters in the stands, Maccabi Tel Aviv is determined to perform well and give their fans a reason to smile. The players and coaching staff understand the importance of representing the club and its values, especially during these difficult times. They are focused on preparing for the match and executing their game plan to the best of their ability.
The team is also aware of the broader context surrounding the match and the accusations of antisemitism that have been leveled against officials in Birmingham. While they are not directly addressing these accusations, they are committed to promoting a message of unity and respect through their actions on and off the field.
Maccabi Tel Aviv recognizes that football has the power to bring people together and transcend political divides. They hope that their performance in the upcoming matches will serve as a source of pride and inspiration for their fans, both in Israel and around the world. The team is determined to overcome the challenges they face and continue to compete at the highest level, with the support of their fans in their hearts.
